Why do we eat fats?

Fats are an essential part of our diet, and we just can’t seem to get enough of them. But have you ever stopped to wonder why? Well, dear reader, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll explore the various reasons why we eat fats.

A Brief Introduction to Fats

Before diving into the subject matter, it’s important that we first understand what fats are. Fats are one of the three macronutrients that our bodies need in significant quantities for energy production and other vital functions.

Essentially, fat molecules consist of a glycerol backbone with three fatty acids attached. These fatty acids come in different shapes and sizes but share some commonalities – they’re all hydrophobic (meaning they repel water), insoluble in water and have a high caloric content per gram compared to carbohydrates or proteins.

That being said since science stuff is boring let’s discuss why eating fats actually might make sense!

Fat Keeps Us Warm

Have you ever heard someone say “I’m not fat; I’m just big-boned?” While that person may be deluding themselves about their size due to body dysmorphia or maybe because they love cheeseburgers too much – there is definitely some truth behind their claim.

Our bodies use fat reserves as insulation against cold weather conditions because body heat transfer occurs less efficiently through fat than through muscle tissue (which gives us yet another reason not to hit the gym). Additionally, this helps retain heat during hibernation periods when food sources become scarce.

So yes dear readers — even though winters prove hardships for most humans… scientifically speaking people who store up on fat would suffer less from the wrath’s of “polar vortexes.”

Our Brain Loves Fat Too!

It’s commonly known that carbs provide quick glucose bursts (our brains’ primary fuel source) but there are healthier fats that benefit the brain. The ability of a fat molecule to pass through the blood-brain barrier and become usable energy is largely dependent on its structure & complexity – this is wherein lies the importance of healthy dietary fats such as Omega-3 which facilitate healthy neuronal communication, improved mood/motivation, and even optimize learning/cognitive function.

Unhealthy Fats Trick Us!

Allow me to introduce you to two dastardly brothers: Unsaturated Fat & Trans-Fat. As we’ve established in the previous sections, our bodies require some amount of fat /oil for regulatory and functional reasons (healthier fat being obviously better) what we call “bad or unhealthy fats” tend to slip sneaky into our diets – without us ever realizing.

Unsaturated fats appear less harmful than trans-fats but still pose considerable health risks because they can lead to cardiovascular diseases by forming plaque buildups surrounding arteries — causing them narrowing and ultimately increasing risk levels for heart attacks/strokes.

Trans-fat are often found in snacks/ junks food along with many other baked items, assuming they’re okay at first glance due marketing labels like ‘Low-fat’, may make it seem attractive; however… Science shows that consuming artificial trans-fats tends to increase LDL cholesterol, hence exacerbating cardiovascular damage-related issues over time?

Soooooo….. It’s probably best if twinkies remained an occasional treat rather than breakfast-lunch-dinner fundamentals

Fat Helps Our Body Absorb Nutrients

Some nutrients (like Vitamins A,D,E,&K )are not water-soluble however easily dissolve when combined with dietary oil/fat once inside your stomach– allowing easy absorption.

This means adding butter or olive oil would help garner maximum nutritional intake from minuscule quantities — beneficial indeed towards maintaining optimal body condition!

Satiation AKA keeping Hunger Pangs Away!

An important theory about fat is that it helps regulate our hunger levels; as a matter of fact, dietary fats tend to make us feel fuller than their equivalent weight counterparts in carbohydrates or protein.

The reason being, Carbs break down and are absorbed into the blood stream faster — While proteins can take time for digestion/absorption mainly through amino acid processing. Fats win though because breaking them down digests by-passing various hormones( cholecystokinin (CCK & Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) causing the brain to signal to digestive organs that they needn’t be hungry anymore!

So basically what we learn here today is: A little bit goes a long way — Plus-sized meals aren’t necessarily what we require – but including some fat molecules will keep you satisfied longer, subsequently aiding with portion control

Fat Also Gives Flavour Pizazz

Fatty foods typically have more complex flavors compared to other bland options, such as carrot sticks and plain chicken breasts – making them a better Palate Party hostess choice. In essence – A higher concentration of oil/fat would mean stronger taste sensations which creates excitement in every bite

This current phenomenon explains why fried chicken deserves all this hype-it’s not just because it hands us tons of calories…

I think there’s an anecdotal saying out there stating something like:

“Flavor takes flight starting at fifty-five percent” when searching curiously online I stumbled on this quote from Dr. Elizabeth Rex-. “ As soon as those concentrations start increasing above fifty-five percent you get these unbelievable flavor blooms that result when the fat hits your tongue.”

Now please note here – eating fatty cuisine merely for its exceptional flava-flave benefits without restraint does wonders…for waistline increases!

So moderation dear readers-just-restraaaaain yourselves!

Final Thoughts?

In conclusion–even if someone were stuck on “a deserted island” with ample seafood to eat/snack on (and had no access to fries or cakes) – eventually their body will draw upon some stored fat that resides within their adipose tissues.

Thus, it becomes illogical to course-reverse and consume extremely high-fat diets since the human body typically stores excess energy as… well surprise surprise– Fat. That being said – we should always carefully monitor our dietary fat consumption rather than completely eschewing lipid-based nutrition provisions!

Thanks for reading folks; Hope you learned something new here today! Did you???

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