FATS

Fat is a nutrient which is essential to good health. It is a compound of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. It is soluble in organic solvents only. Each is composed of three fatty-acid molecules plus one glycerol molecule. The more hydrogen a fatty acid contains, the more saturated it is.

FUNCTION

It's needed for the regulation of cholesterol metabolism; for the transport and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K; for the synthesis of hormone-like chemicals integral to certain biochemical processes; for healthy skin; and for energy.

Fat is the body's most efficient source of energy. One gram of fat can provide 39kJ of energy. Excess fat is stored as adipose tissue under the skin or around some internal organs.

SOURCES

Fats are present in milk, eggs, lard, corn oil, butter and nuts.