Fats are formed from fatty acids and glycerol. Fat in the body to function as:
1) Producing energy
Fat is a nutrient that is essential for maintaining the health of the human body. In addition, fats and oils are also a source of energy that is more effective than carbohydrates and proteins. One gram of oil or fat can produce 9 kcal, while carbohydrates and proteins produced only 4 kcal / gram.
2) Producers of essential fatty acids.
Oils or fats, in particular vegetable oils, contain essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and arachidonic which can prevent the constriction of blood vessels due to accumulation of cholesterol.
3) As a solvent vitamins.
Oils and fats also serve as a solvent for vitamins are only soluble in fats and oils, namely vitamins A, D, E, and K.
4) Giving a sense of satiety
Fats and oils when consumed will provide satiety longer. Longer satiety caused by the fat content itself so that it is difficult to be absorbed in the stomach longer. and also fat is an energy producer.
5) Protein Sparer
Fat is an energy source other than carbohydrates and proteins. With the consumption of excess fat stored as energy reserves, so if someone is in a state of lack of calories, then fat is the first reserve to be used for energy after protein. Therefore, the presence of fat reserves, then use the protein as energy will be saved. But this is of course only temporary. If there is an excess in our diet carbohydrate and fat needed by the body, then fat and carbohydrate that will not be immediately burned. But this excess is converted by the body into fat and stored as energy reserves that will be taken if the body needs at any time.
Reserve fat is primarily stored under the skin, around the muscle. In addition, there are also deposits of fat around the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs. This set of fat around the kidney has a special purpose, namely to keep the kidneys are not easy to move. Fat reserves as it is not used as a backup in calories, except in circumstances that really forced. In obese people, around the belly dam mammary often there is a pile of fat in greater numbers.
Necessary fat reserves in the body. But if there’s too much of these reserves can impact on health disorders. People who are in the fat deposits in the body there is an excessive amount has a tendency to suffer from heart disease, kidney, diabetes, high blood pressure and other diseases. A person with excess body weight 10% of the ideal weight, then this person can be classified as obese.