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
More Information
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