Fats play an important role during mononucleosis treatment. Healthy fats are immune-enhancing and can help reduce inflammation which is often seen during mono. Let’s have a look at the good fats you should be eating during a bout of mono:
Nuts and seeds
Raw nuts and seeds are a good source of healthy fats and protein. They should be eaten in moderation. A small handful a day is a good guide. Try almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, pine nuts, walnuts, macadamias and hazelnuts. Seeds are also a wonderful food. Experiment with pumpkin, sunflower, sesame and linseeds. They make a nice topping for a stir fry, salad or yoghurt dish.
During mononucleosis treatment use the unsalted, raw varieties of nuts and seeds, or you can dry roast your own for a lovely crunchy texture. Nut and seed butters are good as spreads or you can make them into creamy dressings with lemon juice and water. When buying nut butters make sure they are sugar-free as sugar can suppress immunity during mononucleosis treatment.
Oils
The healthiest oils to buy are the cold pressed varieties, especially olive oil, canola oil and linseed (flaxseed) oil. They contain the healthy essential fatty acids which are vital in repairing the cell membranes during mononucleosis treatment. Linseed oil and virgin olive oil can be used in a salad dressing, in smoothies or on toast or cereals. They should not be used for cooking which destroys their valuable nutrients. The essential omega 3 fats are highest in the fish oils. Deep sea oily fish like salmon, tuna, sardines and herring or a fish oil supplement should be eaten at least three times a week.
Butter and spreads
Butter is made from milk products and contains Vitamins A and D. It is high in healthy short chain saturated fat. Tasty alternatives to butter are avocado, tahini, hummus, linseed oil, olive oil and nut butters. Do not use margarine – the process of converting a liquid vegetable oil into a solid mass generates trans fatty acids – a dangerous source of free radicals. Margarine is not recommended during mononucleosis treatment.
Eating healthy fats is an important part of your mononucleosis treatment plan. For food lists and recipes please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.