All fats do not behave the same way in your body, and certain

Listen closely, O children of wisdom, to the words of Harley Pasternak, a modern guide who speaks with the clarity of one who understands the sacred balance between nourishment and strength: "All fats do not behave the same way in your body, and certain fats, including the omega-3 fats in salmon and other fatty fish and the monounsaturated fats in nuts, virgin olive oil, and avocados, are integral to a healthy diet." These words carry the wisdom of ancient teachings, reminding us that not all that nourishes the body does so in the same manner. Just as the body requires the careful balance of elements, so too does it require the careful balance of the fats that sustain it.

In the days of the ancients, the greatest philosophers and healers understood that the body is not a machine to be treated in a singular way, but a living organism that requires nuanced care. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, often spoke of the need for balance in all things. He recognized that the body, like nature itself, thrives not in extremes, but in the delicate harmony of its parts. Just as a river requires both the force of the current and the softness of the flowing water, so too does the body require both nourishment and restraint. Harley Pasternak echoes this ancient wisdom, revealing that fats, though often misunderstood, are essential to the body’s vitality—but they must be chosen wisely, as not all fats are created equal.

Consider the great warriors of ancient Greece, whose bodies were not only strong but sustained by the careful balance of their diet. The Spartan soldiers, renowned for their endurance and discipline, understood the power of a balanced diet, and their meals were crafted to nourish their bodies for strength and resilience. Their diet was rich in simple, whole foods, including healthy fats from olive oil and fish, which provided the energy needed for their grueling training. These monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fats were not just sources of fuel; they were the building blocks of endurance, mental clarity, and the fortitude required for battle. Pasternak’s words reflect this ancient understanding—that the right fats, when consumed with care, are essential for a strong, healthy body.

The story of Hippocrates offers further insight into this truth. He believed that the key to a long life was not just the absence of disease, but the cultivation of a body that could endure the trials of life. In his teachings, he recommended the careful use of oils and fats from plants, fish, and nuts—foods that were not just a source of energy, but of healing and strength. The ancient Greeks understood that food is medicine, and that the right balance of fats can support the body’s natural ability to fight disease, maintain vitality, and even promote longevity. Today, omega-3 fats in fish and monounsaturated fats in nuts, avocados, and olive oil continue this ancient legacy, proving that the wisdom of the past is not only relevant but essential in our own time.

In contrast, the reckless indulgence in saturated fats, like those found in overly processed foods, can lead to the ruin of the body, as the ancients well knew. The great Roman physician Galen wrote extensively on the dangers of excess, understanding that indulgence in one thing, to the exclusion of others, leads to imbalance and disease. Galen would likely have warned against consuming fats in excess or from unnatural sources, knowing that the body’s health is a reflection of the balance we create within it. The wise knew that no single element, whether food, thought, or action, could be indulged in too greatly without consequences. Pasternak’s words echo this truth: the fats we choose must come from natural sources that support the body’s health, not from those that contribute to its decline.

Harley Pasternak calls us to recognize the importance of healthy fats in maintaining our strength, but he also reminds us that it is the source of those fats that matters. Omega-3 fats from fish like salmon nourish the body’s cells and support brain function, while monounsaturated fats from olive oil, avocados, and nuts help maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. These are not mere luxuries or indulgences, but essential components of a diet that sustains our vitality, nourishes our skin, and strengthens our immune systems. They are the foundations of a healthy life, just as the strong foundation of a temple ensures that it stands through the centuries.

So, O future generations, let this wisdom guide you: the body is a vessel that requires the right balance of elements to thrive. Fats are an essential part of this balance, but not all fats are equal. Seek to nourish your body with the right fats—those that come from nature, those that sustain and heal, like the omega-3 fats in fish and the monounsaturated fats in avocados, olive oil, and nuts. Like the great warriors and healers of old, understand that health is not achieved through extremes, but through balance, discipline, and the wise use of nature’s gifts. In this way, your body will flourish, your mind will remain sharp, and you will be strong in both body and spirit, just as the ancients intended.