Why Our Bodies Need Fats


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


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