Fat
Fat is a major source of energy in the diet.
What role does fat play in the body?
- Fat serves as a source of energy
- Fat acts as a storage form of energy for future use
- Fat acts as a cushion in absorbing shocks in some areas of the body such as the buttocks
- Fat provides heat using brown adipose fat
- Fat also helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K.
What are the different kinds of fats?
There are some fats that considered bad as they raise the blood cholesterol and some that are considered good as they lower the blood cholesterol.
Bad fats
Bad fats are saturated fats and trans fatty acids, as these may raise blood cholesterol and increase the risk for heart disease.
Good fats
Unsaturated fats, (both mono and poly unsaturated fats), do not raise blood cholesterol.
Fats that are in foods are combinations of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fatty acids.