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.

Daily Fat Recommendations — Your diet should consist of less than 30% fat per day or approximately 60 g – — No more than 10% of this fat should be from saturated and trans-fats – — Increase omega-3 intake by eating two fish meals per week –

 Another type of fat, called trans-fat, which is produced poly- and monounsaturated fats during food processing when fats are heated to very high temperatures. Trans-fats have also been shown to be harmful to health. Last Updated on Monday, 01 February 2010 15:31