| |
|
|
| |
 |
| Fats |
|
| Fats are the main energy storers of the body. On oxidation, fats give almost two and a half times the energy as that of glucose or glycogen. This makes it most suitable for energy storage. It, however, uses up more oxygen molecules during oxidation when compared to carbohydrates as it contains lesser oxygen. Fats are stored in adipose tissue in certain regions of the body like under the skin and between internal organs. In addition to storage, fats are also used to synthesize structural lipids such as those of membranes. |
| |
| Fats take care of almost 25% of our energy requirements. |
| |
| Sources |
| |
| The common sources of fats are butter, ghee, cheese, meat, egg yolk, milk, nuts, etc. |
| |
| Classification of fats |
| |
| There are two types of fat - saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fats do not have double bonds and are solids at room temperature. Whereas, unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds and are liquids at room temperature. Butter, ghee, etc. are saturated fats and oils are unsaturated fats. High intake of saturated fats increases blood cholesterol level that can lead to coronary disorders and high blood pressure. Thus people who have a sedentary lifestyle such as old people should reduce the intake of saturated fats. However people involved in heavy labour, fat intake should be more, as their energy requirement is high. |
| |
| Depending on the dietary requirements, fats are of two kinds - essential and non-essential. Essential fats are those that are not synthesized by the body and have to be included in the diet. For e.g., linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, etc. Non-essential fats are those that are synthesized by the body and are not necessary in the diet. For e.g., glycine. |
| |
| Functions of fats |
| |
| 1) They are the chief energy storers of the body, which form an important source of energy during starvation or other emergencies. |
| |
| 2) Fats play a role in the absorption of fats soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E and K. |
| |
| 3) Steroids like cholesterol which are related to fats are important regulating compounds. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
