The Benefits and Drawbacks of Fat
Fat is a vital nutrient that stores energy, sustains health, and forms tissue cells. It serves as a primary energy source for endurance activities, settles under the skin and around organs to protect them, insulates, retains heat, maintains body temperature, and stimulates appetite. Fat cells also produce hormone-like proteins that combat viruses, mimicking immune cells. They aid insulin in regulating blood sugar and help the immune system fight cancer cells. Moderate fat levels boost immunity, but excess fat disrupts hormone balance, leading to health issues. 1. Composition of Fat Fat consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with traces of helium and phosphorus. Formed by one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids, it’s known as triglyceride. Fats include oils (lipids) and lipid-like substances (fatty acids and alcohols). They contain three types of fatty acids: saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated. One regulates physiological functions, while the others reduce ha...