Fat
From ArticleWorld
Fat is a class of food that plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin and hair.
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Science behind fat
Fat contains about 9kcal per gram, which can be compared to sugar (4kcal per gram) and ethanol (7kcal per gram). It consists of three kinds of atoms: oxygen, carbon and hydrogen. They are a source of essential fatty acids, which are considered a key dietary requirement.
Fat-soluble vitamins, which can be digested, absorbed and transported with fat, include Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K.
The body breaks fat down to release glycerol, which can be converted to glucose and used for energy, and free fatty acids, which are a source of energy for many tissues.
Health role
Fats are important when it comes to maintaining healthy skin and hair, protecting body organs from shock, maintaining body temperature and healthy skin function. Also, fats serve as a way for the body to store energy reserves.
Terminology
In food, saturated and unsaturated fats exist.
Adipose tissue is the fatty tissue. It is the body's way to store metabolic energy for long lengths of time.
Visceral fat is the fat around the abdomen and associated with insulin resistance.
Peripheral fat is the fat around the limbs and is seen as more harmless.
Anabolism is the production of fatty molecules; catabolism is the breakdown of fatty molecules.
Metabolism
Virtually all lifeforms closely regulate the metabolism of fat, which is affected by enzymes and regulated by hormones in higher organisms. Cholesterol levels are influenced by fatty acid metabolism. Cholesterol is being studied for its role in atherosclerosis and Shervin's disease (where people become unable to walk or sexually perform).