How to Avoid and Minimize “Inflammaging” (Minisode #54)

Healthy Fats

Dr. Casey Means emphasizes the importance of choosing the right fats for healthy aging. She highlights omega-3 fatty acids as essential for maintaining cell membrane fluidity and reducing inflammation, with sources like chia seeds, flax seeds, and certain fish being ideal 1. Dr. Means also advises focusing on whole food fats from nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, and coconuts, which provide a plethora of nutrients beyond just fat 1.

Every single one of the 30 trillion cells in our body is wrapped in fat and so we want that healthy fluid fat.

--- Dr. Casey Means

For refined fats, she recommends those less prone to oxidation, such as avocado, olive, and coconut oils, to avoid cellular damage 2.

   

Bad Fats Impact

The consumption of refined vegetable oils is a significant concern due to their pro-oxidant nature. Dhru Purohit and Dr. Means discuss how these oils, like soybean and safflower, can accelerate aging by causing oxidative stress and cellular damage 2. Avoiding these oils is crucial for maintaining youthful skin and overall health.

If you want to look old and wrinkly...eat those oils.

--- Dhru Purohit

Dr. Means stresses the importance of vigilance in avoiding these oils, which are prevalent in many packaged foods, and suggests that in the future, they may be viewed as harmful as cigarettes 2.