Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: tamsinbell on 13/09/2018 11:25:36

Title: What is the role of fat in the body?
Post by: tamsinbell on 13/09/2018 11:25:36

Gerry asks:

"What is the role of fat in the body? And what are the problems/ benefits of saturated fats?"

Any idea? Post below...

Title: Re: What is the role of fat in the body?
Post by: evan_au on 13/09/2018 12:07:37

Quote from: Gerry

What is the role of fat in the body?

It is a compact store of energy that can be easily carried around, and retrieved when food is scarce.
Fat cells produce hormones that control appetite.
See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adipose_tissue#Physiology

Quote

And what are the problems/ benefits of saturated fats?

Dietary guidelines in Western countries recommend reducing saturated fats (with single carbon-carbon bonds, often sourced from animal fats), and increasing unsaturated fats (which have some double bonds, eg olive oil and fish oil).
There is a concern that excess saturated fat in the diet can lead to excess fat levels in the blood and plaque buildup in blood vessels. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturated_fat#Dietary_recommendations