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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Why do we need to eat fat?


Despite its bad reputation, fat is an essential nutrient. Fat is important for body insulation, internal organ protection, nerve transmission, hormone production and metabolizing fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E, and K). Additionally, fat is the main source of energy at rest and during low-intensity exercise (e.g., walking, light jogging/cycling). When consumed with a meal, fat also helps contribute to the feelings of satiety, helping you feel full longer. Fat is the most energy dense nutrient at 9 calories per gram, or more than twice the amount of calories per gram compared to carbohydrates or protein. While a high-fat diet can be detrimental to health, a diet too low in fat can also cause health problems. As a general guideline, 20-35% of daily caloric intake should come from fat. Individuals who are overweight or obese should consume no more than 30% of daily calories from fat.

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