Fat is one of the three kinds of energy-giving food in the diet. Fat are an extremely rich source of energy with a calorie content of about 255 calories per ounce (9 calories per gram)/ This is twice as much as provided by the other foods (proteins and carbohydrates).
The most common fat-containing foods are butter, cream, eggs, fatty meats, margarine, oily fish and vegetable oils.
So, what are the functions of fats in the body's metabolism? Most fats are burned up (oxidized) to produce energy (in addition to carbon dioxide and water). Other fats become an essential part of cells. Fats that are not required immediately as a source of energy are stored in layers of fatty (adipose) tissue under the skin. They are available as fuel for energy at any time. The stored fats surround and protect internal organs, such as the kidneys, and act as insulation that prevent heat loss. Certain "essential" fatty acids are required for normal metabolism and health. Fats also provide an environment in which vitamins A,
D, E, and K can dissolve. Some fat is stored in the liver.
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats? saturated and unsaturated fats differ chemically in the way their carbon and hydrogen atoms are arranged. Basically, unsaturated fats can absorb hydrogen, whereas saturated fats cannot. Most animal fats are saturated fats; saturated vegetable fats include coconut oil and palm oil.
Unsaturated fats include cottonseed oil, safflower oil, corn oil (all polyunsaturated fats that may be constituent of margarine), and olive oil. Fish oil may lower blood levels of certain harmful fats.
What is the significance of this distinction? Research suggests that large amounts of saturated fats in the diet, may be associated with increased plasma cholesterol and atherosclerosis.
Should fats be reduces in the diet? Lipid is any of a group of fats or fat-like substances that occur in the body. Lipids include triglycerides, cholesterol, and lipoproteins, as well as fatty substances that are combined with sugars and phosphates. Lipids are easily stored in the body, where they are an important part of cell structure and a source of reserve energy. Elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream may lead to various disorders including atherosclerosis.