What role does dietary fat play in the human body?
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Jay Morgan answered:Lipids also known as fats, is the most concentrated source of energy in the diet. One gram of fat yields nine calories. They supply more than twice the calories per gram versus a carbohydrate or protein. Fats also act as carriers for the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. By aiding in the absorption of vitamin D, calcium is also available to the tissues, particularly to the bones and teeth. Fats are also important for the conversion of carotene to vitamin A. Fats are involved in the following: cellular membrane structure and function, precursors to hormones, cellular signals, and regulation and exertion of nutrients in the cell.
Fat deposits surround, protect and hold in place organs, such as the heart, liver, and the kidneys. Fat is used as an insulator for any kind of environmental temperature changes and it is also preserves body heat. Dietary fat prolongs the digestion process by slowing the stomach’s secretions of hydrochloric acid, thus creating a longer lasting sensation of fullness after a meal. Dietary fat initiates the release of the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK), which contributes to satiety.
Most of the fat we consume in our diet is ingested in the form of triglycerides. Triglycerides are made up of a glycerol with three fatty acids attached. These fatty acids differ from one another in two ways: chain length and degree of saturation. Saturation refers to chemical structure. The more unsaturated the fat, the lower its melting point and the more likely it is to become a liquid at room temperature. A saturated fatty acid is one that carries the maximum number of hydrogen atoms, leaving no points of unsaturated. Unsaturated fatty acids can be divided into two types: mono and polyunsaturated fats found in food contain a mixture of the three kinds of fatty acids.
Lipids also known as fats, is the most concentrated source of energy in the diet. One gram of fat yields nine calories. They supply more than twice the calories per gram versus a carbohydrate or protein. Fats also act as carriers for the fat-soluble... More -
Dr. Michael T Murray answered:Dietary fat plays an important role in the body. First, fat is the most concentrated source of calories because it provides 9 calories per gram. Carbohydrates and proteins provide less than half that amount, at 4 calories per gram each. Second, fat is the preferred energy source to fuel the body. Third, fats are used in the body as structural components in cell membranes and as the backbone for hormone-like compounds known as prostaglandins.
Dietary fat plays an important role in the body. First, fat is the most concentrated source of calories because it provides 9 calories per gram. Carbohydrates and proteins provide less than half that amount, at 4 calories per gram each. Second, fat... More
