By Dr. Udo Erasmus It might be hard for many of you to believe that, contrary to popular belief eating fat does not make you fat. It is the type of fat that you eat that is important and the percentage of total caloric intake.

What is the Correct Ratio to Burn Fat?
Essential fatty acids in a ratio of two (omega 3) to one (omega 6) and at levels of about twelve to fifteen percent of total caloric intake increases the rate of metabolic reaction in the body. This increased rate burns more fat into carbon dioxide, water and energy (heat), which results in fat burn-off and a loss of excess weight. We should not count essential fatty acids as fat calories, because they increase calorie burning. And, instead of being used as fuel, they play a role in cell membranes, and are converted into hormone like prostaglandins. And yes these fats do keep us slim. Udo Erasmus author of "Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill!" explains that there really is a double story with fats. Fats that help heal your body also help you stay slim, and "bad" fats, the fats that kill make and keep you fat.

Fat that Increases Energy
When you eat essential fatty acids in the form of pure, unadulterated fats and oils your energy levels and stamina increase. This is especially obvious to the overweight, the elderly and athletes. One study involving athletes found that with the addition of essential fatty acids to the diet athletes gained increased strength and endurance, could lift heavier weights, do more reps and recovered from fatigue faster. Those who consume fresh, EFAs find their energy levels picked up, they feel like being physically active and they stay alert later into the evening.

Water Retention Elimination
Water retention is a problem in over-weight people. EFAs help the kidneys eliminate excess water from tissues. When we eat a diet rich in essential nutrients including EFAs food carvings are also reduced. Essential fatty acids are also required for hemoglobin production. A deficiency of EFAs causes a form of anemia with all of the associated symptoms, especially fatigue and lost energy. Who could even think of exercise when they are exhausted? We all know that you can't just eat EFAs to loose weight, physical exercise is a requirement. With the addition of EFAs to the diet and the resulting increased energy levels, physical exercise won't seem like so much work. Choose the right fats and make those fats work for you.