Nutrients - Fats

Fats are a group of organic compounds that occur naturally in plant and animal cells in the form of lipids, consisting of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. They are an important energy store, having twice the calorific value than carbohydrates. They are broken down into its constituents parts by enzymes called lipases. 

Fats play a vital role in the human body and perform many functions. They are necessary for the absorption and utilization of certain vitamins like A, E, D and K. Fat deposit help to maintain body temperature against outside environmental influences and protects body organs such as the heart and the liver. Fats contain Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) which are essential for maintaining tissues in normal health.

Saturated fats such as cholesterol are found in meat and dairy products, i.e. whole milk, cheese, butter and eggs. Many processed foods have saturated fats added to them and they are widely used in manufacturing. Unsaturated fat are found in vegetable oils like soya bean, mustard, sunflower, ground nut, olive etc and corn, peanuts, seeds, olive, oily fish etc. The fat which should be eaten in excess is the unsaturated variety which is more beneficial. An excess level of saturated fats in the blood tend to raise the level of cholesterol contributing to hardening of the arteries causing strokes and various forms of heart diseases. It is advisable to limit fat intake to no more than 30% of the overall diet. 

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