function of fats

• Fat is a macronutrient which provides energy, but in a more

  concentrated form than energy obtained from carbohydrate or protein based foods
• The term fat also covers oils and lipids.
• For comparison 1g of fat provides 37kJ / 9 kcaL
• as well as providing energy, foods containing fat also perform the following functions:

  • insulation and body warmth
  • protects the vital organs (heart, liver, kidneys, lungs)
  • is a carrier for the fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K
  • important for hormone production
  • contain essential fats which the body is unable to make for itself
• fats are a source of essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6)
• fat forms an insulating layer under our skin which helps keep us warm, these layers of fat also protect our bones and organs
• our bodies use fat to make cholesterol, a fatty substance that is an essential part of all cell membranes, however too much cholesterol can be bad for us