Things You Should Know About Fat

Numerous sources of information will tell you that fats are potentially harmful for your diet. While this is true in general, it does not imply that fats are not valuable from a nutritional point of view. In fact, fats are absolutely necessary for maintaining proper health.

Fats are the chief form of energy stored in the body. During times of the unavailability of food intake, the fats stored in the body provide energy to prevent starvation.

There is good scientific reason behind why fats, and not carbohydrates, remain the chief form of stored energy in the body. The body cannot store glycogen (the dominant form of the body's carbohydrates) in great amounts because glycogen holds a great deal of water and is very bulky.

Fats, on the other hand, can be packed tightly together without water. They can store much more energy than glycogen in a small space.

Foods rich in fats are valuable in many situations. One gram of fat (or oil) provides twice as many calories as obtained from one gram of carbohydrates. People doing hard physical labor and those traveling in cold climates require ample supply of fats to provide energy in the form of heat. Fatty foods usually carry tempting aromas and flavors that cause you to eat these foods in excess therefore leading to unneeded calorie intake.

How do you know when to stop eating?

Well, there are certain fats in the food that slow digestion and give the brain a signal to stop eating. That is why fatty foods give a fuller feeling of satisfaction.

The vital organs of the body are surrounded by and cushioned in fat pads that function as shock absorbers. Also, the layer of fat beneath the skin protects the body from extreme temperature conditions. Fats also dissolve some essential nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Without some fat in our diet, we cannot survive. The fear of eating too much fat and gaining weight is often associated with anorexia and other eating disorders, but fat, in moderate amounts, is actually healthy for your body.

Try to stick to eating fats that are good for your body, such as those found in olive oil and naturally high fat foods like nuts. And reduce the fats that are bad for your body, such as the ones found in fried foods, chips and fast food.

Most of all remember to eat a small amount of good fats every day so that you can maintain good over all health.