Why Healthy Fats and Oils Could Strengthen Your Immune Defenses

Nutrition experts have emphasized the importance of certain fats and oils in maintaining health, particularly during challenging times like the coronavirus pandemic. While no major shifts in dietary advice occurred globally due to COVID-19, recommendations in Russia have highlighted the role of animal fats and unrefined plant oils as essential components of a balanced diet.

Clarified butter, known as ghee, has been singled out for its health benefits, with suggestions to include it daily. Meanwhile, cold-water fish, along with unrefined flaxseed and rapeseed oils, remain top sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These nutrients are believed to support the body's defenses by reducing inflammation and potentially slowing viral replication.

Balancing omega-3 and omega-6 intake is key, which can be achieved by rotating different oils in cooking. Simple habits, like eating a small piece of lard in the morning, may also help sustain an alkaline environment in the body. For those starting the day with eggs, chicken or quail varieties provide fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E.

Preparation methods matter too. Roasting nuts and seeds can cause fats to oxidize, reducing their benefits. Instead, soaking them in water for at least four hours improves digestibility and removes anti-nutrients. Strong cell membranes, supported by healthy fats, act as a barrier against viral entry, reinforcing the body's natural defenses.

The advice remains consistent: fats and oils play a crucial role in nutrition, especially during periods of heightened health risks. Incorporating a variety of unrefined oils, animal fats, and properly prepared nuts can help maintain cellular integrity and overall well-being. No new scientific evidence from the pandemic has altered these long-standing dietary principles.