Vegan diet is generally considered to be healthy. But, they are believed to be lacking in healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids.
Increasing scientific evidence proves that eating vegan doesn’t mean you need to miss out on healthy fats. There are plenty of vegan fat sources that can provide essential fatty acids and other important nutrients to your body.
Here are the top 6 vegan fat sources that are sure to provide you with the necessary nutrition.
Vegan fat sources
Given below are some of the vegan fat sources which are very beneficial for health. The daily recommended intake has been suggested for each of the fat sources mentioned below.
1. Nuts
Nuts and seeds are packed with healthy fats. They are also rich in minerals, proteins, and fiber.
Nuts like walnuts, almonds, brazil nuts, and cashews are great sources of healthy fats.
For instance, almonds are a good source of monounsaturated fats. One ounce of almonds [1]Harvard T.H. Chan: Almonds will provide you with 14 grams of fat (80% monounsaturated, 15% polyunsaturated, and 5% saturated).
Walnuts are known for being loaded with essential fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and vegetable omega-3 fatty acid, the precursor of two longer-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFA). There are studies [2]PubMed: Does regular walnut consumption lead to weight gain? that indicate that regular consumption of walnuts does not necessarily increase the risk of weight gain.
How Much to Eat: 5 ounces per week
2. Seeds
Chia, sesame, flax, sunflower, and hemp seeds are also excellent sources of healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. Vegans can easily add them to their diet and reach their daily requirement of healthy fats.
For instance, chia seeds are the richest source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids [3]Harvard T.H. Chan: Chia Seeds. Additionally, they contain all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce independently.
A single serving size of dried chia seeds(2.5 tablespoons) contains 9 grams of fat, 8 of which are heart-healthy fats.
How Much to Eat: 5 ounces per week
3. Avocado
Avocados are exceptional fruits in terms of fat content. While eating one avocado per day may not be suitable for everyone, it’s a great addition to any vegan meal.
Avocado is a powerhouse of healthy fats, like monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and oleic acid [4]Harvard T.H. Chan: Avocados . This helps reduce heart diseases, lowers bad cholesterol, and increases good cholesterol.
Moreover, avocados help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for our bodies’ proper functioning.
However, there is a distinction between cold-pressed and extra-virgin olive oils versus ‘pomace’ olive oil. The former is much healthier because they contain less saturated fat. You can usually tell them apart by their color. Pomace oils are lighter in color. In supermarkets, they’re often labeled as “light olive oil.”
Coconut oil: Coconut oil is an excellent source of healthy fats, including medium-chain fatty acids(MCAs). It is also known to have antibacterial properties.
Rapeseed oil: Another popular plant-based oil rich in omega 3 is cold-pressed rapeseed oil. However, it is important to remember that heating the oil damages its properties.
How Much to Eat:1 ounce per day
5. Chocolate
Dark chocolate has cocoa butter, which is high in saturated fat.
One-third of chocolate’s fat content is made up of stearic acid, which is a type of saturated fat. However, it does not raise LDL cholesterol like most other types of saturated fats. Instead, the liver converts stearic acid into oleic acid: a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.
How Much to Eat:1 ounce per day
6. Tofu
Tofu is another excellent source of healthy fats on a vegan diet. It is made from soybeans, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, tofu mostly contains unsaturated fats.
The amount of fat you need depends on several factors, including your age, gender, activity level, and overall health.
The recommended daily allowance for saturated fats according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the American Heart Association are as follows:
Vegan diets can be low in certain healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, vegans should make an effort to include sources of plant-based omega-3s. After all, these healthy fats come with several health benefits.
Here are some benefits of healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat):
Fats are essential macronutrients that our bodies need in order to function properly. They help us absorb a category of nutrients called fat-soluble vitamins and minerals.
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes.
Healthy fats are essential for better brain health and help to improve cognitive functioning.
Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3s and omega-6s, are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes. These polyunsaturated fats also help produce the skin’s natural oil barrier, which is critical in keeping skin hydrated, plumper, and younger-looking.
Conclusion
Making wise dietary choices is important to ensure optimal health on a vegan diet. Understanding different types of healthy fats is an important aspect of this process. A healthy fat intake can help achieve a vegan diet that is varied, balanced, and nutritious.
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