Category: healthy oil

Did You Know that Poor Nutrition Can Promote Inflammation?

Poor nutrition is a major cause of chronic inflammation, stated in numerous recent studies. In particular, it’s increasingly apparent that many conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and rheumatism are more closely related to inflammation than it was discussed only a few years ago. A major cause of inflammatory processes in the body is a poor diet or malnutrition. A diet rich in ‘bad’ fats such as saturated fats and trans fats and high in simple sugars (basically the average western diet) is increasingly shown to promote chronic inflammation. This is in direct contrast to fiber, antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, healthy fats in fish and nuts plus beneficial oils, such as olive oil, which all have a natural anti-inflammatory effect. These recommendations correlate with Metabolic Balance and why reducing inflammation is one of the key benefits experienced by many of our clients.

Find a certified Metabolic Balance Coach to create a nutrition plan that will show your anti-inflammatory foods in a tailor-made meal plan!

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Fit For The Cold?

It’s not only your immune system that needs support in the colder months, we also need to look after our skin. Cold weather plus indoor heating is the perfect combination to dry your skin. The skin vessels narrow, the production of our natural oils in the skin, sebum, is reduced and the formation of the central skin barrier is lowered. This all adds up to uncomfortable, dry, brittle and cracked skin.

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What can you do to radiate healthy skin and vitality even in winter? We recommend a combination of internal and external tender, loving care for your skin. First, make sure you keep your omega 3 fatty acids in your daily essentials. Look for great sources from either oily fish and cold-pressed oils such as flax seed oil and rapeseed oil. It is also important that you stay properly hydrated. Even if you’re not as thirsty in the winter, you still need to make sure that you drink enough water. We recommend herbal teas, ginger water and mineral water or even a simple cup of hot water!

Popular Peanuts!

Peanuts are very popular at Metabolic Balance. But what makes them so valuable? Although their name suggests otherwise, they aren’t nuts! They’re actually a type of legume. Originally found in the Andes, today they are mainly grown in the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Sudan and Senegal. The stems of the peanut plant dig themselves into the soil after the flowers are pollinated. This is where the seeds ripen in a woody shell and hey presto we get peanuts! 

Peanuts eaten raw actually taste like beans and only get their familiar peanutty smell through roasting. With 25-35% protein and 42-52% fat, peanuts are pretty high in calories; however, this is not bad! The fat provides a great source of the heart-friendly and essential fat, linoleic acid. Peanuts are also rich in vitamin E and most of the B vitamins (not B12), many minerals (iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium) and valuable trace elements such as copper, manganese, zinc and fluorine. 

Take a little baggy of peanuts in your purse for a great quick snack when you’re out and about!

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Walnuts – Nutritious Power-House

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Did you know that walnuts are a real power food?  They have a healthy fat content of approx 50% and the calorific value of 100g walnuts is over 2,700 kJ. The content of the essential fat alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fat) is especially high. We call a fat “essential” as it’s one that our bodies can’t produce naturally and therefore must come from our food. Essential fats are known to offer a whole range of anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits. They keep the heart healthy by helping the blood vessels be flexible, prevent arteriosclerosis and have a positive influence on cholesterol levels.  

Walnuts are very rich in protein and therefore particularly valuable for vegetarians. A handful of walnuts (about 43g) provides 8g of vegetable proteins. They are also among the richest sources of antioxidants that help protect against cancer. They are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E, pantothenic acid and important minerals such as zinc, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, iron and calcium. Walnuts also boost digestion, as they are very rich in fiber.

Safflower Oil – yay or nay?

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Safflower oil does not have an exceptionally good composition of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It can therefore be used during the Metabolic Balance nutrition program, but is not one of the most recommended oils. Pay attention to quality here as well. Please never heat safflower oil.

Shooting Star Argan Oil

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It comes from Morocco and has a pleasantly nutty taste.
Caution! Argan oil contains an extremely high amount of omega-6 fatty acid, which – consumed in large quantities – is suspected to trigger inflammatory processes in the body.  Therefore, Argan oil is not recommended to use in the kitchen by Metabolic Balance. In cosmetics, on the other hand, it is very recommendable and beneficial.

Coconut Oil – Perfect for Frying

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Coconut oil is the vegetable oil with the highest proportion of saturated fatty acids. Because its melting point is above 20°C / 68°F, it usually appears in a solid state – making it one of the few vegetable fats that remain stable in their consistency without artificial hardening.

Coconut oil can be heated in high temperatures and yet, stay stable. It is therefore ideal for frying.

If you let it melt on your tongue, it has a slightly cooling effect, which might be used in the production of confectionery.

Silver Bullet Flax Seed Oil

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The super star among all eatable oils – often called the Happiness Oil. Recent research even assumes that flax seed oil has a preventive effect on diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. However, this has not been proven.
Flax seed oil has an extremely high content of omega-3 fatty acid. Particularly worth mentioning is the alpha-linolenic acid, an important building block for the tissues of heart, retina and brain.
Flax seed oil has a fine nutty aroma, but is very sensitive and turns rancid quickly when exposed to light and air. Therefore, purchase flax seed oil in the smallest possible containers and store in the refrigerator. You will find that most containers on the market have a comparatively short shelf life.
Never heat flax seed oil! Use in salad, yogurt, or add after cooking to oatmeal or vegetables.

Super Star in Salad – Walnut Oil

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Walnut oil has a wonderfully fine nutty flavor. However, it has a limited shelf life, even in the refrigerator. Therefore, only buy in small quantities and pay attention to the expiration date.
Walnut oil is high in ellagic acid. An antioxidant, which is hoped to undermine the growth of cancer cells. The also contained saponins, are supposed to strengthen our immune system and make us less susceptible to infectious diseases. Walnut oil is also a rich source of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acid.