What is the function of fat in our body?

The more desirable fats, or polyunsaturated fats, not only supply the body with energy, they also provide essential fatty acids such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fat. They are also essential for the absorption and transportation of the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K around the body.

Polyunsaturated fats can be divided into two categories:

• Omega-3 fats are found in both plant and marine foods, although it is the omega-3 fats from marine sources that have the strongest evidence for health benefits (including reducing the risk of heart disease). Plant food sources include canola and soy oils and canola-based margarines. Marine sources include fish, especially oily fish such as Atlantic salmon, mackerel, Southern blue fin tuna, trevally and sardines.
• Omega-6 fat is the primary oil ingredient added to most processed foods and is found in commonly used cooking oils, including sunflower, safflower, corn, cottonseed, and soybean oils as well as nuts and seeds. Omega-6 is also found in animal products such as egg yolk, meats in general, particularly organ meats, and other animal-based foods.

Another type of fat, called trans-fat, is produced by poly- and monounsaturated fats during food processing when they are heated to very high temperatures. Trans-fats have also been shown to be harmful to health.