28/01/2024
Today we’re continuing to talk about FATS 🧀🥑🫒🥥🧈🍟🥜 more specifically, the essential roles fats play in our diet.
Fats serve several vital functions in the human body:
1️⃣ Energy Storage: Fats are a highly efficient way to store energy. When the body has more energy than it needs immediately, it converts excess calories into fat for later use. During times of energy deficit, the body can break down these stored fats to provide a continuous energy supply.
2️⃣ Cellular Structure: Fats are integral components of cell membranes. Phospholipids, which have a lipid (fat) component, form the basic structure of cell membranes. These membranes control what enters and exits cells and participate in various cellular processes.
3️⃣ Insulation and Protection: Adipose tissue, which is a type of connective tissue composed mainly of fat cells, acts as insulation to help regulate body temperature. Additionally, it provides cushioning and protection for internal organs.
4️⃣ Hormone, enzyme and vitamin D synthesis: Fats play a crucial role in the synthesis of essential substances. Certain hormones, such as steroid hormones (e.g., testosterone and estrogen), are derived from cholesterol, as well as vitamin D. Cholesterol also provides substance for making bile which is used to help digest and absorb fats.
5️⃣ Nutrient Absorption: Some vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are fat-soluble, meaning they require fat for absorption. Fats in the diet aid in the absorption of these essential vitamins, contributing to overall health.
6️⃣ Brain Function: The brain contains a significant amount of fat, and certain fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, are crucial for brain development and function. These fatty acids are only obtained through our diet.
See how including good sources of fat in your diet is pretty important? Did you know about the role fats play? Let me know in the comments 🤗
In my next posts about FATS, we’ll dive into LDL, HDL, cholesterol and how to determine what a good and bad source of fat is, providing you with concrete examples which will hopefully inspire you to optimise your diet 😘 stay tuned!
