Fat

The study of fats is essential in nutrition and general science. This can be found in both living beings and foods. Protein, Carbohydrate, and fat are primary macronutrients. 

There is a popular misconception that Fat, in general, is harmful to the human body, but the reality is Fat can be both good and bad. Bad Fat is harmful to us, but good Fat is an integral part of a healthy diet as well. Fat helps us utilize fat-soluble vitamins, which give us the energy to do our regular work.

What is Fat?

High energy concentration produces Fat. It helps protect body tissues and organs and maintains body temperature. Fats also help our body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like – Vitamin A, K, D and E. As fats are the highly concentrated energy, they produce double the energy as Protein or Carbohydrates with the same amount. 

There are three types of fatty acids -1) saturated, 2) polyunsaturated, and 3) monounsaturated. These three components together make triglycerides. And fats are made of 95% triglycerides. 

Types of Fats 

There are different types of lipids. Generally, we can divide all fats into two groups 1) Saturated fats and Unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats are considered suitable for human health. Besides this, there are other lipids types, like Hydrogenated fats or trans-fat, cholesterol, omega, etc. 

1. Saturated Fats – Saturated fats generally come from animals (although some plants produce Saturated fats in low amounts). Also, Saturated fats stay solid at an average temperature. Saturated fats are made of regular shapes of molecules. And therefore, its molecules can easily clump together, which is not suitable for human health.

2. Unsaturated fats- Unsaturated fats come from primary vegetables. And they are soft margarine at an average temperature. Also, Unsaturated fats have irregular shapes in their molecules, so they do not clump with each other easily. Unsaturated fats are further divided into two groups 1) polyunsaturated and 2) Monounsaturated. Unsaturated fats are irregular in shape, and that is why they miss the mono atom or poly atom of hydrogen in each molecule. This creates Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. 

3. Trans fats – Hydrogenated fats are also known as trans fats. Hydrogenated fats are the type of fats made with extra hydrogen atoms. This also changes the chemical composition of this Fat. And it becomes solid at room temperature. Therefore, it also easily clumps with other trans-fat molecules. And it is also considered harmful to human health in excess. It also blocks arteries of different organs like the heart, brain or liver. 

4. Cholesterol – In the human body, cholesterol is found in the blood, and the liver produces it. Usually, cholesterol combined with proteins flows in the bloodstream. A minimal amount of cholesterol can be found in foods such as seafood and eggs. 

Cholesterol is vital for our body as it affects cells’ functions and helps build some essential bodily chemicals. Low-density lipoprotein LDL and High-density lipoprotein or HDL are used to measure cholesterol levels in our body. While LDL is bad cholesterol, HDL is the good cholesterol that eliminates lousy cholesterol.

Why is Fat good?

Fat is an essential component which benefits the human body in many ways. Below are the details about specific good features about fat in the human body. 

1. Fat is the source of vital energy in our body.

2. It is constructive in maintaining body temperature.

3. It helps safeguard vital body organs by providing a protective layer around them.

4. Helps us to process and absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, E, D, K etc.

5. Fatty acids help to build healthy cognitive function.

6. Fatty acids are also crucial for a healthy heart and immunity system.

Why is Fat bad?

There is certain fat in food which impact adversely to the human in terms of health and organ functioning. Below are the details about the bad phase of fats on the human body. Let’s discuss:

1. Unused calories of Fat can increase body weight.

2. Usually, lipids are stored in the body to burn into glucose in lean times, creating a healthy weight. But if it remains unburned, it may create unhealthy weight.

3. High levels of cholesterol can hamper heart health.

4. Saturated Fat is better than unsaturated Fat and can be harmful to the human body.

5. Trans fat is the worst among other fats, and it is primarily found in fast foods.

Fat in Food

Lipid is found not only in the human body but also in some foods. Fat in Food helps us include good Fat in our regular diet and avoid the bad ones.

1. Saturated Fat can be found in every animal-based Food like meat, egg, butter, milk, cheese, etc.

2. Unsaturated Fat- Unsaturated fats are primarily found in plant-based food products like avocado, oily fishes, sunflower oil etc.

3. Trans Fat- Trans-fat can be found in oily foods, pizza, French fries etc.

4. Cholesterol- Fast foods and bakery foods contain cholesterol. Packaged chips and instant noodles also contain high levels of bad cholesterol.

Conclusion

Fat is the concentrated form of energy. And that is why a small amount of lipid can produce high calories. Although unsaturated fats are considered good fats, excess amounts of Saturated, trans-fat, and cholesterol can be harmful to the human body.

Therefore, maintaining healthy fats in the body helps your body stay active and avoid risks of being overweight, heart problems etc.