What is Fat?
Fats are soft greasy substance occurring in organic tissue and consisting of a mixture of lipids. They are the main source of energy in foods. Fats are part of a group of substances called lipids, and come in liquid or solid form. All fats are combinations of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids.
How does fat Function ?
Fat is one of the three nutrients that provide calories to the body. Fat supply nine calories per gram, more than twice the number provided by carbohydrates or protein. Fat is an important element essential for the proper functioning of the body.
Essential fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acid are provided by fats through food. They are necessary for controlling blood clotting, inflammation, and brain development.
Fat functions as the storage substance for the body’s extra calories. It fills the fat cells or adipose tissues that help insulate the body. Fats are also an essential energy source. After consuming the calories from carbohydrates, which occurs after the first 20 minutes of exercise, the body begins to depend on the calories from fat. Healthy hair and skin are maintained by fat. Fat helps the body move and absorb the vitamins A, D, E, and K through the bloodstream.
Food Sources
SATURATED FATS
Saturated fats are normally found in animal products such as cheese, whole milk, butter, cream, ice cream, and fatty meats. They are also found in some vegetable oils such as palm, coconut, and palm kernel oils.
TRANS FATTY ACIDS
Trans-fatty acids are found in fried foods, commercial baked goods such as cookies, donuts, crackers, margarines and processed foods.
UNSATURATED FATS
Most liquid vegetable oils are normally unsaturated. Unsaturated fats are of two types, they are, monounsaturated fats including olive and canola oils and polyunsaturated fats including fish, safflower, sunflower, corn, and soybean oils.
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