Good morning, everyone! Let's dive into the fascinating world of dietary fats and their critical role in hormone production. There's a lot of misinformation out there. What are your insights on healthy fats and their impact on endocrine health?
Healthy fats are absolutely essential! Cholesterol, often demonized, is actually the precursor to all steroid hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol. We need it!
Exactly! Avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds are my go-to sources. They provide the building blocks and also help with satiety and nutrient absorption.
And let's not forget fatty fish for Omega-3s! EPA and DHA are crucial for reducing inflammation, which can negatively impact hormonal pathways if chronic.
I used to be afraid of fats for cutting, but now I ensure I get enough. It fuels my workouts and my hormones feel much better. Grass-fed butter and whole eggs are great too.
Fantastic examples! PowerLifterPro, that's a common misconception. Restrictive low-fat diets can actually harm hormone production. What about the types of fats to *avoid* or limit?
Definitely trans fats and excessive amounts of highly processed vegetable oils (soy, corn, canola) due to their inflammatory nature and high Omega-6 content, which can throw off the Omega-3 to Omega-6 balance.
Exactly. Those hydrogenated oils are terrible for cell membrane integrity, which affects how hormones signal.
Focus on whole, unprocessed fats. It's pretty straightforward. If it comes from nature or has been minimally processed, it's generally good.
Makes sense. Quality over quantity, always.