Did you know that fats have a hand in just about everything? These nutrient-dense wonders do everything from keeping your hair and skin healthy to providing energy and helping you absorb specific vitamins.<\/p>\n
Read on to learn some fun facts about fats that may just surprise you.<\/p>\n
Every cell in your body is surrounded by a double layer of lipids (fats) known as the cell membrane.<\/p>\n
This critical layer is responsible for regulating what goes in and out of the cell and providing structural support.<\/p>\n
In fact, without lipids, cells would simply collapse.<\/p>\n
Hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate many processes throughout the body, from metabolism and reproduction to hunger and stress.<\/p>\n
And nearly all hormones are derived from fat.<\/p>\n
In fact, the most prevalent hormone in the body, testosterone, is made from cholesterol.<\/p>\n
So next time you’re feeling down about dietary fats, remember that they’re helping keep your hormones balanced.<\/p>\n
Specific vitamins like A, D, E, and K are insoluble in water, so your body cannot absorb them unless paired with fat.<\/p>\n
So when you eat foods rich in these vitamins (think: fatty fish, leafy greens, and oils), make sure to include a source of fat (like avocado or olive oil) to help your body fully reap the benefits.<\/p>\n
When it comes to energy production, carbohydrates get all the glory, while fats get a bad rap.<\/p>\n
But the truth is, fat is actually a more efficient source of energy than carbs because it produces more ATP (the primary unit of energy in the body) per molecule than carbohydrates do.<\/p>\n
So if you’re looking for lasting energy that won’t give you the dreaded sugar crash later on, reach for healthy fats instead of sugary snacks.<\/p>\n
Fats play a crucial role in keeping our bodies functioning optimally\u2014yet most people still think of them as nothing more than empty calories. <\/span><\/p>\n The truth is dietary fats are essential for good health and can be beneficial for weight loss and optimizing energy levels. <\/span><\/p>\n So next time you sit down to eat, don’t be afraid to include some healthy fats in your meal!<\/span><\/p>\n Your body will thank you for it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Resources:<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5776726\/pdf\/nihms912895.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3995129\/pdf\/nihms400814.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n