FAT IN HEALTH AND DISEASE
Summary of main points.
• Fat has a variety of functions, but the most important is as an energy reserve. A minimum level of body fat is essential for this purpose.
• Excessive body fat can have disease implications.
• The health implications of obesity are determined by total fat and fat distribution.
• Visceral fat, or fat stored around the organs of the trunk, is the most dangerous to health.
• Abdominal fat, or a ‘pot belly’, is the most visible indication of visceral fat.
• Diabetes, heart disease, gallstones and some cancers are the main diseases associated with excessive abdominal fatness.
• Energy reserve (i.e. 1g of fat = 9kcal of energy).
• Protection of the vital organs (e.g. stomach, kidneys, liver etc).
• Heat insulation.
• Transport medium for fat-soluble vitamins and minerals (e.g. vitamins D, E and K).
• Formation of hormones (e.g. cholesterol).
• Structure of cell membranes (cholesterol and phospholipids).
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Posted by admin on May 8th, 2009 :: Filed under Weight Loss
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