Facts about fat: Fats! Fats! Fats! This is quite a popular word and always finds its place in conversations. Although many people tend to think that fat is bad for health, fat is actually beneficial! To truly understand this, you first need to understand what fat actually means, and then I’ll tell you some preventive healthcare facts about fats which will help you to stay healthy. Yes, you heard that right.
What is fat? Different types of fats.
According to scientific definition, fat is a macronutrient made of triglycerides, consisting of a glycerol backbone bonded to three fatty acid chains via an ester bond. It is a very essential nutrient required for preventive healthcare and for the proper functioning of the body on a daily basis. It may sound bad, but it keeps our body full and thus, helps us not to eat in excess. There are basically two kinds of fats, saturated fats, and unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats are further divided into monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and trans fat.
1. Saturated fats
It has a glycerol backbone with three fully saturated fats attached to it with single bonds. It remains solid at room temperature with the exception of palm and coconut oil. It is mostly found in red meat and products with butter or margarine in it. These fats are not soluble, thus they lead to higher risks of cholesterol and heart diseases. They are importantly found in animal products like cheese and milk.
2. Unsaturated fats
This is also called vegetable fat and has a backbone of glycerol with three fatty acids sharing one or more double bonds. This is known as a healthy fat as it lowers cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart problems. This is commonly found in avocado, nuts, and vegetable oils. These fats stay in the form of a liquid at room temperature.
Each monounsaturated fat molecule has only space for one hydrogen atom and thus, this type of molecule is not saturated with hydrogen atoms. It is beneficial in lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels and is known to increase “good” or HDL cholesterol levels. It is mostly found in avocados and vegetable oils like peanut oil.
Polyunsaturated fats include omega-6 and omega-3 fats and they have slightly different health benefits. Omega-3 fats are found in oily fish, eggs, linseed, walnuts, and soybeans and have been shown to protect individuals against heart diseases. Omega-6 fats are found in sunflower seeds, nuts, sunflower and sesame oil, and margarine spreads. They have been shown to decrease the risk of heart diseases when consumed in place of saturated fats.
Trans fats are fats changed during a process called hydrogenation. This increases the product’s shelf life and makes the fat harder at room temperature. It is the most harmful of the lot. It raises cholesterol levels. It is found in processed food like biscuits, pastries, and fast food.
How does our body use fats?
Fats typically provide for more than half of the body’s energy. Fat from food is broken down into fatty acids, which can travel in the blood and are captured by the hungry cells. Fatty acids that are not required by the body at that moment are packed in the form of bundles called triglycerides and stored in fat cells, which have unlimited capacity. While these fats are welcomed wholeheartedly to serve as the energy source by most of the body, a few types of cells, such as brain cells, have special needs. Brain cells can easily run on glucose received from the diet, but they can’t run on fatty acids directly.
Some fun preventive healthcare facts about fats:-
- Fats are essential for brain health.
- Fats keep your lungs working properly.
- Fat helps the body to use vitamins.
- Fats help in boosting our immune system.
- Fats provide energy. They provide aloe energy which is essential to perform our day-to-day activities like walking, etc.
- A low-fat diet can’t help you to lose weight.
Fats are the most underestimated nutrients, that the body requires. Although there are bad fats like trans fats which are very harmful to your health; fats found in vegetable oils and nuts are actually healthy fats, which are essential for preventive healthcare for one’s well-being. Let us know your favorite facts about fats and book your consultation now with our experts, stay healthy! stay fit!
What foods are high in fat?
Avocados, Cheese, Dark chocolate, Whole eggs, Fatty fish, Nuts, Chia seeds, Extra virgin olive oil.
What are the best fats to eat?
“Good” unsaturated fats — Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats — lower disease risk. Foods high in good fats include vegetable oils (such as olive, canola, sunflower, soy, and corn), nuts, seeds, and fish.
Are eggs high in fat?
One egg has 5 grams of fat (about 8 percent of daily value), of which only 1.5 grams are saturated.
Do bananas have fat?
Source Of. One serving, or one medium ripe banana, provides about 110 calories, 0 gram fat, 1 gram protein, 28 grams carbohydrate, 15 grams sugar (naturally occurring), 3 grams fiber, and 450 mg potassium.
What is healthy fat seafood?
Naturally fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, and albacore tuna are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These are “good” fats that help keep your heart healthy. They may also help keep your brain sharp, especially as you get older.
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