ROLE OF FAT IN HUMAN BODY

Fat is an important ingredient of human diet. The functional role of fat in the diet is manifold. Fat is a most concentrated source of energy. One gram of fat gives 9kcal of energy as compared to Carbohydrates and proteins , which provide only 5 kcal of energy per gram. Fat carries out the following functions in our body:

► Fat provides calorie density to the diet.

► Fats are essential in the diet for the absorption and mobilisation of fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E and fat-soluble antioxidants. These vitamins are not utilised by the body if fat is not available in the diet. Thus fat works as a vehicle to carry the fat-soluble vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants in the body.

► Vegetable oils are the only sources of Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) to the body, which the body cannot synthesize and need to be supplied through diet. EFA are the precursors for a group of chemically related compounds, known as prostaglandins that are synthesized in the body from EFA. Prostaglandins play a key role in regulating many physiological processes in the body.

► Fat also helps in raising HDL (High Density Lipoprotein), the so-called good cholesterol. Low-fat diets can result in reduction of HDL.

► Fat in the diet imparts certain textural qualities, taste and palatability to the food. Fats and oils are integral lubricants of foods in two ways; through use as release agents as part of the cooking process and as a lubricant during mastication (chewing).

► Fats and oils modify flavour release and improve palatability