One has to understand, that fat has lot of advantages. One is having a body that can use up vitamins. The vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins, meaning that the fat in foods helps the intestines absorb these vitamins into the body.

 

It is also required for healthier skin as one of the more obvious signs of fatty acid deficiency is dry, flaky skin. In addition to giving skin its rounded appeal, the layer of fat just beneath the skin acts as the body's own insulation to help regulate body temperature It also provides a healthy cell membrane.

 

They are also the structural components of some of the most important substances in the body, including prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that regulate many of the body's functions. Fats regulate the production of sex hormones, which explains why some teenage girls who are too lean experience delayed pubertal development and amenorrhoea.

 

Moreover, they are a protective cushion for our organs. Many vital organs, especially the kidneys, heart and intestines are cushioned by fat that helps protect them from injury and holds them in place. Fat is also a nutrient that is an important source of calories. One gram of fat supplies nine calories, more than twice the amount we get from carbohydrates or protein.

 

Now, there are two basic types of fat, grouped in accordance of their chemical structure. Each type of fat is used differently in our bodies and has a different effect on our health.

The bad fats here are the saturated fats and trans fats, which are produced when liquid oil is made into a solid fat. This process is called hydrogenation. Trans fats act like saturated fats and can raise the cholesterol level of one's body. These are usually present in fast foods and canned items.

 

The good fats on the other hand, are Omega and unsaturated fats. Not only they are good for health, but they also assist in cutting down the bad fats.

 

In order to keep one's cholesterol under control, we should eat foods low in cholesterol and trans fats and maintain a healthy weight. For exercise, we should combine 30 minutess of cycling with 20 minutes of weight training, at least three times a week for optimum benefit.