In the never-ending pursuit of weight loss and better health, many people automatically think lowering their fat intake is a good strategy. Fat has more calories per gram than protein or carbs, so cutting it back seems logical for slimming down. And artery-clogging saturated fats and trans fats certainly should be limited.

However, going to extremes with a very low fat diet can deprive your body of critical nutrients and actually do more harm than good. While moderation is key, our bodies need a certain amount of healthy fats to function optimally and avoid nutrient deficiencies.

Fats serve vital roles in every cell of our bodies. They provide energy reserves, carry fat-soluble vitamins, insulate organs, and regulate inflammation among other critical functions. Cutting out too much fat can lead to:

1. Lack of Essential Fatty Acids

When you cut out fats from your diet, you may be missing out on essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6. These fatty acids are crucial for maintaining healthy skin by keeping it hydrated and supple. Without an adequate intake of these fats, your skin can become dry, dull, and more prone to wrinkles.

2. Reduced Vitamin Absorption

Fats are necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, D, E, and K. These vitamins play a vital role in maintaining skin health and elasticity. A low-fat diet can hinder the absorption of these vitamins, leading to a deficiency that can accelerate the aging process of your skin.

3. Decreased Collagen Production

Collagen is a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. Fats are essential for the production of collagen, and a low-fat diet can result in decreased collagen synthesis. This can lead to sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles, making you look older than your actual age.

4. Skin Barrier Impairment

Fats are crucial for maintaining the skin's protective barrier. A low-fat diet can compromise this barrier, making your skin more susceptible to environmental damage, pollution, and UV radiation. This can accelerate the aging process and result in premature aging signs like age spots and uneven skin tone.

5. Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

A diet low in healthy fats can lead to increased inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. This can trigger a cascade of reactions that damage the skin's cells and accelerate the aging process. Inflammation can lead to redness, irritation, and breakouts, while oxidative stress can cause DNA damage and collagen breakdown, resulting in aged skin.

Our skin is particularly vulnerable to the effects of fat deficiency. While limiting unhealthy fats can improve skin by reducing inflammation, cutting out too many healthy fats starves skin of nutrients it needs to maintain:

• A strong skin barrier to lock in moisture 
• Healthy cell membranes for efficient nutrient absorption
• Anti-inflammatory compounds to prevent premature aging

Without fats, skin becomes dry, rough, dull, and prone to damage and infection. Wound healing is also impaired. So, if you want to maintain youthful and radiant skin, it's essential to include healthy fats in your diet.

Don't be afraid to incorporate sources of Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, as well as monounsaturated fats from avocados and olive oil. Your skin will thank you for it! Thank you for reading, till next time my Amber Babies! Please don't forget to subscribe and follow me on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok 🥳