So what is the point of fat?

OLFATUG
OLFATUG Posts: 393 Member
edited October 6 in Food and Nutrition
Nutritionally speaking, what is the point? I know 'eating fat doesn't make you fat', and I know I'm supposed to have 'some', and I know there is 'good' fat and 'bad' fat... but seriously... how the heck do I get the 'right' amount, or even know what that means? :blushing:

Replies

  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    -Used by the body as an energy source
    -Fat is found in the cell membranes of many tissues in the body
    -Fats are used to make chemical messages that affect many biological prcesses

    More Reading:

    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/a-primer-on-dietary-fats-part-1.html
    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/a-primer-on-dietary-fats-part-1.html
  • Jay0hwhy
    Jay0hwhy Posts: 63
    when i was eating an extremely low fat/ low calorie diet while doing medically monitored weight loss i got these weird dry spots on my arms due to the lack of fat.

    so for me, fat keeps your skin soft.
  • AnninStPaul
    AnninStPaul Posts: 1,372 Member
    -Used by the body as an energy source
    -Fat is found in the cell membranes of many tissues in the body
    -Fats are used to make chemical messages that affect many biological prcesses

    Fat supplies the essential fatty acids needed to keep cell membranes, skin, and hair healthy. Certain fatty acids are key to eye health.

    Your skin is the greatest disease barrier you have.
  • OLFATUG
    OLFATUG Posts: 393 Member
    Thanks for the info and articles, I have some reading to do! :)
  • JoyousRen
    JoyousRen Posts: 3,823 Member
    Fat is necessary for your body to absorb fat soluable vitamins so insufficient levels of fat in a persons diet can lead to vitamin deficencie. As far as how much. I'm not sure. Generally guidelines say between 25-30% of caloric intake.
  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    Fat is necessary for your body to absorb fat soluable vitamins so insufficient levels of fat in a persons diet can lead to vitamin deficencie. As far as how much. I'm not sure. Generally guidelines say between 25-30% of caloric intake.


    ^^^another good one
  • ShapeUpSidney
    ShapeUpSidney Posts: 1,092 Member
    -Used by the body as an energy source
    -Fat is found in the cell membranes of many tissues in the body
    -Fats are used to make chemical messages that affect many biological prcesses

    More Reading:

    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/a-primer-on-dietary-fats-part-1.html
    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/a-primer-on-dietary-fats-part-1.html

    ^^^ this

    Also, many medicines, vitamins, and micronutrients are fat-soluble. Dietary fat can help you digest them and use them efficiently
  • ShapeUpSidney
    ShapeUpSidney Posts: 1,092 Member
    Did anyone mention, this reason?

    "making food delicious"
  • Grokette
    Grokette Posts: 3,330 Member
    Fat is necessary for your body to absorb fat soluable vitamins so insufficient levels of fat in a persons diet can lead to vitamin deficencie. As far as how much. I'm not sure. Generally guidelines say between 25-30% of caloric intake.

    Exactly - Vitamins such as A & D are fat soluable so if you are not eating enough fat or eat fat when you have these vitamins ingested they will not get absorbed into the body.

    Vitamin D deficiency can lead to so many things such as fatigue, Type 2 Diabetes, Depression, Suicide, muscle aches and pains, etc.
  • JoyousRen
    JoyousRen Posts: 3,823 Member
    Did anyone mention, this reason?

    "making food delicious"
    No but it's one of my favorites. Life without butter, salmon or cheese? It isn't worth living. :tongue:
  • Grokette
    Grokette Posts: 3,330 Member
    Did anyone mention, this reason?

    "making food delicious"

    No, but that is also true. Fat along with protein also help to keep you full and create a feeling of satiety.
  • ShapeUpSidney
    ShapeUpSidney Posts: 1,092 Member

    No but it's one of my favorites. Life without butter, salmon or cheese? It isn't worth living. :tongue:

    No diet comes between me and my avocados.
  • BobbyClerici
    BobbyClerici Posts: 813 Member
    No big deal except fat is essential for survival.

    The USDA says we should be getting around 20% - 35% of calories from fat.
    That's about right.

    We need this amount of fat for:

    Normal growth and development
    Energy (fat is the most concentrated source of energy)
    Absorbing certain vitamins ( like vitamins A, D, E, K, and carotenoids)
    Providing cushioning for the organs
    Maintaining cell membranes
    Providing taste, consistency, and stability to foods

    Fat is great!
  • rileamoyer
    rileamoyer Posts: 2,412 Member
    Fat in the right places makes women desireable.
  • AdAstra47
    AdAstra47 Posts: 823 Member
    Did anyone mention, this reason?

    "making food delicious"

    :laugh: Yes, this!

    Have you ever noticed that the fat-free products are usually higher in carbs & sugars? That's because when you remove the fat, food tastes terrible. So the manufacturers add sweeteners, sugar, high-fructose corn syrup... stuff that's a lot worse for your body than the fat would have been. Sigh. Sometimes we just can't win. :smile:
  • Raf702
    Raf702 Posts: 196 Member
    Fat is very important, for both male and female. But I'm speaking for us males, as fat aids in production of growth hormones and regulating libido!!! So yes fat is crucial for both health and sex life.
  • JacksMom12
    JacksMom12 Posts: 1,044 Member
    Fat is important for many reasons. For example, if you want to keep your hair and your gall bladder... You should eat some fat. I love my long hair and I'd hate for it to start falling out!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories