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Why Our Bodies Need Fats

In This Section:
Why Our Bodies Need Fats
Essential Fatty Acids
Triglycerides Levels
Cholesterol Levels
Lipoproteins
Dietary Guidelines

Why do we need fat in our diet?

Fat provides needed energy.  It is difficult to eat the large amounts of food in a very low fat diet to get all the energy you need.
Fat is needed to prevent essential fatty acid deficiency.
Fat is needed so your body can absorb the fat soluble vitamins A, S, E, K, and prevent deficiencies of these vitamins.
Fat provides flavor and texture to help prevent food from being bland and dry.
Fat helps food to stay in the stomach longer, giving a greater sense of satisfaction and preventing hunger soon after meals.
Fat may help your body produce endorphins (natural substances in the brain that produce pleasurable feelings).
Diets too low in fat (less than 20 - 25%) may trigger cravings.

What does fat do for our body?

Provides back-up energy if blood sugar supplies run out (after 4-6 hours without food).
Provides insulation under the skin from the cold and the heat.
Protects organs and bones from shock and provides support for organs.
Fat surrounds and insulates nerve fibers to help transmit nerve impulses.
Fat is part of every cell membrane in the body.  It helps transport nutrients and metabolites across cell membranes.
Your body uses fat to make a variety of other building blocks needed for everything from hormones to immune function.

What happens when we don't have enough fat in our diet?

Dry, scaly skin
Hair loss
Low body weight
Cold intolerance
Bruising
Poor growth
Lower resistance to infection
Poor wound healing
Loss of menstruation

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Bulimia nervosa may accompany anorexia, or it may occur by itself. It is estimated to occur in 1.1 to 4.2% of females. Bulimia nervosa can lead to severe tooth decay, intestinal and kidney problems, muscle cramps, heart problems, ruptured stomach or esophagus, and death.

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