One of the most forgotten elements of a good beauty regimen is one you may not suspect...

fat. That's right, good fats help keep your body healthy and your skin soft, firm and supple.

In his G-living article, Author Brendan Brazier explains that there are many health benefits to be gained from consuming good fats. Brazier states that good fats:

"can strengthen the immune system, enhance brain and nervous system function such as mood, intelligence and behavior, greatly reduce cardiovascular disease, increase energy and performance, grow healthy skin, hair, and nails, regulate body weight, and improve organ and gland function."

These so-called good fats, which can be found in foods like avocados, flax seeds, and raw nuts provide the body with Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids, the Essential Fatty Acids. Your body cannot produce Essential Fatty Acids. The only way to get them is by eating foods rich in EFA. According to Brazier, Essential Fatty Acids lend:

" support to the healthy function of the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems, they also play an integral role in promoting cell health. Repair and regeneration of the cellular membrane is vital for keeping the body biologically young and enabling it to retain mobility and vitality throughout life. Contributing to our cells’ ability to receive nutrition and eliminate waste, EFAs help keep the cellular regeneration process moving. Our body’s ability to fight off infection and reduce inflammation is in part dependent on having an adequate supply of EFAs in the diet. In fact, healthy and efficient brain development in children has been linked to a diet rich in EFAs."

EFA's are also known to help keep the skin soft, supple and young by treating dry skin from the inside out.

Brazier's article also discusses the importance of Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), Medium-chain triglycerides(MCTs), and Antioxidants. GLA's, which can be found in Evening primrose, borage and hemp seed oils boast powerful anti-inflammatory properties. MCT's which are a form of saturated fat, are actually extremely beneficial to your health. The benefits of MCT's, which are found in coconuts and coconut oil have been known for years in other cultures. According to Brazier, MCT's can contribute to, "a healthy metabolism, weight loss and youthful skin."

While many people have heard about the immune boosting properties of antioxidants, they probably never knew that, as Brazier points out, "Plant based oils can also be a great source of antioxidants." and that, "Chlorophyll found in hemp oil has antioxidant like properties..."

So now that you have the basic information, what should you look for? Brazier's article simplifies the answer:

"A good fat should generally come from an organically grown plant based source with minimal processing to preserve their “raw”, nutrient rich state. Look for oils that are cold-pressed and have not undergone a distillation or purification process. Also try to avoid those that are exposed to heat and light as they can result in oxidation."

He lists the following oils as rich sources for good fat:

Hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, antioxidant oil blend (green tea seed oil, pomegranate seed oil, black cumin seed oil, black raspberry seed oil, blueberry seed oil, cranberry seed oil), pumpkin seed oil, coconut oil.

To read Brendan's article in its entirety, please visit:

http://gliving.tv/bodydesign/brendan-brazier-explains-fat/#more-186