| Fat | |||||
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Fat is one of the necessary macronutrients (along with protein and carbohydrates) which is required in sufficiently large quantities each day.
Fats, which are chemically known as lipids, are defined as being one of the following:
- Triglycerides - can be saturated (from animal sources) or unsaturated (from plant sources)
- Phospholipids - similar chemical structure to triglycerides, are the main component of cell membranes
- Sterols - cholesterols from animal sources and phytosterols from plant sources
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- About 30% of the diet should come from fat
- Some saturated fat is necessary in the diet, but should not be the main constituent of all fat intake
- Some cholesterol is necessary in the diet, for a variety of purposes
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There are a great many reasons why fat is necessary and important in the diet:
- Phospholipids form the membrane around cells
- Cholesterol is required to make vitamin D and bile
- Essential fatty acids are required for energy and help to insulate the organs and protect deep tissues against heat loss and physical damage
Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 21 August 2007
Related Articles
references
- McGuire M, Beerman KA, Nutritional Sciences: From Fundamentals to Food, 2007 Thomson Wadsworth USA
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E, Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition 7th Edition, 2006 Thomson Wadsworth USA
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
