Fat bombs. It doesn’t have the most positive of connotations, does it? Greasy takeaways, clogged-up arteries… Oh, you hadn’t heard? Fat is no longer public enemy number one.
In fact, recent research suggests that saturated fats like coconut oil, butter and even cream can increase our levels of good cholesterol and improve “cardiometabolic risk factors, such as ectopic fat storage, blood pressure, blood lipids (triglycerides), insulin and blood sugar”.
No wonder, then, that the wellness set is attempting to harness its benefits.
What are fat bombs?
So what, exactly, is a fat bomb? And does your mid-afternoon Twix count? I’m afraid not – boasting a mere 23.7g fat per 100g, it doesn’t even come close to the 85% fat content we’re aiming for. Yes, 85%.
A fat bomb is similar to an energy ball or bar. However, whilst these tend to be based around carb and sugar-heavy ingredients like dates and oats, fat bombs eschew these in favour of high-fat, low-carb additions such as coconut oil, peanut butter and cream.
Why should you be eating fat bombs?
OK, let’s get a few things straight. Trans fats are bad. Nasties formed as byproducts of the chemical processing undergone by these ‘hydrogenated oils’ lower good cholesterol, raise bad cholesterol and appear to promote inflammation and weight gain. However, according to scientists, we should still be getting at least 20% of our daily calorie intake from ‘good fats’.
We need fats to absorb fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K, and research suggests that monounsaturated fats (the kind found in avocados, peanuts and olives) can lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and increase ‘good’ HDL cholesterol.
Fats take longer to break down in the digestive tract and slow the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar, keeping our blood sugar levels stable and helping us to feel fuller for longer. According to scientific research, a spoonful of coconut oil a day could even whittle our waistlines away!
You’ll still need to watch your portion sizes but, since fats are intrinsically satisfying, eating a fat bomb for breakfast could actually help you stop snacking.
What is a keto fat bomb?
You may have heard dieters talking about ‘keto fat bombs’ or ‘ketogenic fat bombs’. These are fat bombs with a fat content of at least 85%. They can be eaten as a quick breakfast, mid-afternoon pick-me-up or pre- or post-workout snack by those following a low-carb diet such as the Atkins Diet since they do not disrupt ketosis.
Ketosis is a ‘fat-burning’ state characterised by elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood. When we eat ‘normally’, most of our energy comes from blood glucose (or sugar) rather than fat, a state known as ‘glycolysis’. Most fat bombs are ketogenic and can be incorporated into low-carbohydrate diet plans.
Fat bomb recipe
Itching to get cooking? Making your own fat bombs couldn’t be easier. Click below to try the simple recipe:
This article originated on: womanandhome.com
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any diet, you should speak to your doctor. You must not rely on the information on this website/newsletter as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.
