Fats

Are fats bad for us? Yes? No? Maybe? Sometimes?

Why Does the Body Need Fat?  1. Provides a source of energy – body can store fat calories for future energy needs  2. Shock absorber- fat surround vital organs (i.e. heart, liver) to protect against bumps and bruises

Why Does the Body Need Fat?  3. Dissolves and carries certain vitamins inside your body  4. Normal growth and development – fat is needed for formation of healthy cells

Why Does the Body Need Fat?  5. Acts as a blanket – holds in body heat (fat just below the skin acts as an insulator)

Types of Fat

Animal Fat  Found in milk, cheese, butter, eggs, meat etc…  Usually solid at room temperature (i.e. lard)  Often high in saturated fatty acids (hard for the body to break down, and contain more cholesterol)

Vegetable Fat  Found in plant foods and products made from them (i.e. oils)  Usually liquid at room temperature  High in unsaturated fats  Easier for the body to break down

Exception:  Tropical plant oils, such as coconut or palm oil are high in saturated fats

Trans-Fatty Acids  Do not occur naturally  Created by adding hydrogen to unsaturated oils to make solid fat (i.e. margarine)  Poor health choice- linked to physical ailment such as cancer, diabetes, reproduction issues

Why Make Trans-Fatty Acids?  Changes the texture (i.e. easier to spread) and keeps longer than liquid oils (which go rancid if left too long)

When Does Fat Become a Health Issue?  Our bodies produce most of the fat/cholesterol necessary for proper functioning  Excess fat from our diet is stored in our tissues and arteries.  Excess fat leads to health issues such as obesity, heart problems etc…