Exploring the Relationship Between C-15 Saturated Fat and Brain Health

I’m sure you’ve heard how bad fat is for your health. For years, fat has gotten a bad rap. People often say, “fat makes you fat” but new research is showing quite the opposite. 

In this episode of Biohacking Superhuman Performance with guest Stephanie Venn-Watson, we discuss the saturated fat C15: and its essential role in the body. This fascinating fat that is found in dairy, strengthens our cell membranes which is crucial for longevity. Our cells prove that “you are what you eat” and too often, we don’t eat enough fat to support these cells! 

We also dive into supplementing C15:0 so that you’re not getting a large amount of unhealthy saturated fats - just the good stuff! Overall, this episode shows that we don’t need to fear fat anymore. We need it for healthy aging and fighting chronic diseases. 

Stephanie Venn-Watson is a serial entrepreneur who has successfully launched Epitracker, and Seraphina Therapeutics, two clinical research programs within the Department of Defense and the non-profit sector and founded public health education programs in the community and at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She has over 60 peer-reviewed scientific publications and book chapters and is the lead inventor on over 40 issued and pending patents. For her entrepreneurial work in the health industry, Stephanie was awarded the Department of Human and Human Services Secretary’s Award for Innovations in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible:

Berkeley Life: Consumers may register and place an order using my code NIDDBL for 10% off at berkeleylife.com

Carol Bike: Visit carolbike.com and use promo code NAT for $100 off.

Sensate: Use code NAT at www.getsensate.com/Nat

Find more from Stephanie Venn-Watson: 

Website:https://fatty15.com/

Info on C15:0 : https://www.discoverc15.com/ 

Instagram: @fatty15

Use Code: NAT or go to fatty15.com/NAT for a discount! 

Find more from Nathalie:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmholC48MqRC50UffIZOMOQ

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/biohackingsuperhumanperformance

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/

Website: NatNiddam.com

Join Nat’s Membership Community: https://www.natniddam.com/bsp-community

Work with Nat: Book Your 20 Minute Optimization Consult: https://calendly.com/nniddam/intro-call?month=2021-08

What We Discuss: 

(1:14) Stephanie, Dolphins & Fat

(6:20) Metabolomix & discovering a saturated fat

(10:50) What does C15:0 do? 

(14:45) The role of fat for human health

(16:00) Even vs Odd chain saturated fat 

(25:00) Anemia and dolphin studies

(32:00) Cutting out dairy 

(33:30) C15:0 and the hallmarks of aging

(45:00) Foundational supplements

(46:00) Where to get C15:0

(48:30) Dosing C15:0 

(54:00) Where to learn more about Fatty15

Key Takeaways:

• C15:0 a beneficial fatty acid has been shown in studies to be not just beneficial but essential in a predictor of health. The last fatty acid to be discovered was omega 3s over 90 years ago. C15:0 - a saturated fat - strengthens our cell membranes. Our cells are surrounded by two layers of fat and can change based on what we eat. 
• There are two kinds of saturated fats - even chain and odd chain. Even chain saturated fats are present in really high levels in processed foods. They’re pro-inflammatory and high levels are associated with diseases. Odd chain saturated fats have the opposite effect. They’re anti-inflammatory and can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. They have no hinges - no double bonds. C15:0 acts like a brick in our cells- it helps the cells fight off aging and chronic diseases. 
• We get C15:0, the healthy saturated fat, from whole dairy fat. It’s hard to get it from any other source. The health of dairy fat is controversial though because for every 1% of healthy odd chain saturated fats in dairy, there is 40% of even-chain saturated fats. Supplementing with Fatty15 is a great source to get in pure C15:0.