The word "fat" has a mostly negative reputation, but there are reasons
to love fats. This is because the human body needs fat for proper
function -- the key is knowing which kind(s) of fats to consume and how
much. Fats are often divided into "good" and “bad” categories, but this
can lead to oversimplification as too much of a "good" fat may lead to
imbalances, just as too little of a "bad" fat.
The Need for Fat
The body uses fat to keep cells in optimum condition and manage energy
properly. Many kinds of fats can be synthesized by the body as needed to
perform specific functions. However, certain classes of fats that
perform essential biological functions cannot be manufactured within the
body and must be obtained from the diet. These fats are collectively
referred to as
essential fatty acids, or EFAs.
Specifically, omega-3 and omega-6 fats support the brain and the entire
central nervous system, playing a role in the maintenance of cell
membranes and neurological tissue. The most well-known of these are
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Other important fats, such as gamma
linolenic acid (GLA) may be conditionally essential if the body doesn't
receive adequate precursors, or if metabolic pathways used to make them
are impaired for other reasons.
EFAs also help with cell formation and will keep blood pressure within
the desired range to help prevent a stroke, heart attack or
heart disease. They also play a critical role in the regulation of
pain and
inflammation.
Physical Effects of Cutting Out Good Fats
While there are many good reasons to observe a "low-fat" diet, many
people set out to accomplish this without understanding how much fat
consumption that actually entails. According to dietary guidelines, a
low-fat diet is one in which 20 to 30 percent of total calories come
from fat. However, due to the widespread demonization of fat, as well as
a lack of knowledge about the nutrient content of foods, many people
unwittingly push that number much lower, with dietary fat percentages as
low as 10 percent. This may contribute to certain health problems.
Symptoms associated with insufficiency of fat include the following:
-
Dry, brittle hair and skin
-
Poor memory
-
Changes in mood, depression
-
Confusion, possibly leading to dementia
-
Poor vision
Anyone who is noticing these symptoms should speak with their physician
about their dietary habits and any supplements or medications they’re
taking to determine if a deficiency is possible. As fat is also needed
in order to absorb fat-soluble
vitamins (A, D, E and K) from food, it's possible that an ultra low-fat diet can lead to insufficiencies in these as well.
Getting the Right Fats Into the Daily Diet
As a general rule, plant-based unsaturated fats are the healthiest to
consume. These are found in nuts, seeds, avocados and olives. Some
research also suggests moderate amounts of
coconut oil,
an plant-based saturated fat can be healthful. Although not technically
plants, or regularly eaten, algae are also a great source of healthy
fats and are increasingly used as a source of these for dietary
supplements.
Animal-based fats are typically the ones to minimize, although there
are exceptions to this rule as well. In particular, fatty fish, such as
salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines, contain significant amounts of
EFAs, and are an important staple in parts of the world where
plant-based fats are more difficult to come by.
On average, a balanced intake includes about 40 g of fat per day,
although needs vary from person to person. This may be satisfied by
consuming two to three servings of foods containing healthy fats every
day. If these foods aren’t appealing or seem too difficult to consume
regularly, they can be found in supplement form as well. Speak with a
nutritionist or other medical professional to determine your own
individual needs and the best dosage.
Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/importance-essential-fatty-acids-678#.VJADncm17uc