Fat Intake

Question
I know that eating a diet with enough fat is essential to absorb nutrients, especially from the vegetables you eat. Personally, I prefer to get my fats from peanut butter and nuts rather than saturated fats.

My question is, in order to absorb nutrients from vegetables, do you have to eat a source of fat WITH them? Or is it just a matter of getting enough fat throughout the day? I don't like to eat veggies with olive oil or butter, but I do get my recommended fats (at least 60g) from peanut butter and nuts throughout my day.

Answer
Kelly,

I think you are talking about absorbing Vitamin A, which require some fat to be extracted from carrots or red bell pepper. Yes, they have to be eaten together, for example, sour cream and carrots.

On the other hand, fats can decrease absorption of water-soluble nutrients like Vitamin C.

Vegetable sources of fats are good for you independently of their influence on nutrient absorption -- but make it sure you have enough of omega-3, the best source for it is cold water fish or its supplements.

Tanya Zilberter

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