"Fats are may defined as large group of biological macronutrients that are composed of subunits, known as fatty acids and provide energy and protection to our body. Fats are also known as triglycerides."

Are Fats Good or Bad for our Health?

We often hear too many things about fats, that fats cause weight and other health issues. According to this sense we divide fats into two categories. That is "good" and "bad" fats. As name show that good fats are good for health and promote the body growth while bad fats are not good for health. But the truth is, the ‘excess’ of good or bad fats are bad for health.

A decent and proper amount even of bad fats are good for body health in various ways. This is a fact that we cannot live without having fats in our body. Number of body functions only rely on the presence of fats in our body. For example, some vitamins require fats presence to dissolve in our bloodstream. So, the defined amount of fats is essential and beneficial for regular body functions.

Classification of Fats:

Fats are divided into four sub-classes:

• Saturated Fats
• Monounsaturated Fats
• Polyunsaturated Fats
• Trans Fats

Saturated Fats:

These are fats that do not have double bonds and are solid at room temperature for example, butter. These are also known as "animal fats" as these are found in animal products like in meat and dairy products. Saturated fats are considered as the "bad boys" of the fats family as the excess amount of these fats can cause increase blood cholesterol levels and other heart risks.

Monounsaturated Fats:

These fats have only one double bond in their chemical chain. Unlike saturated fats these fats are liquid at room temperature. Monounsaturated fats are beneficial for health. About 30% of our daily fats intake should be made up from monounsaturated fats.

Polyunsaturated Fats:

These fats have more than one double bond and are very reactive one. Polyunsaturated fats are usually described as "Essential Fatty Acids" or EFA for short because they cannot be produced by our body. These fats are also good for health and save from many cardiovascular diseases.

Trans Fats:

Trans fats often considered as artificial fats and bad for our health. Trans fats can cause liver dysfunction and high cholesterol level that cause heart risks.

Functions of Fats:

There are countless functions and benefits of proteins in our body and some of the are listed below:

Energy

Fats are source of energy as dietary fatty acids can be converted directly into glucose by the liver. One gram of fat has 9 calories that is more than the amount of calories of protein and carbohydrates.

Absorption of Vitamins

Vitamins are important for body and are essential parts of our daily diet. Vitamin A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins and dissolve in bloodstream in the presence of fats. As Vitamin D is fat soluble vitamin so, fats help the bones to more strong and in this way its save us from bone disease like osteoporosis.

Better Brain Function

As our brain mainly made of cholesterol and fats, so the normal intake of fats makes our brain healthy and more efficient and protect from risks of depression.

Insulation and Protection

Fats in the foam of adipose tissues found around the many organs and protect them from shock. They also act as insulation and maintain body temperature and thus save from severe heat shocks.

Improve Skin and Eye Health

Dry skin and eyes may cause by the deficiency of fats or fatty acids. Proper amount of saturated fats in our diet assist our body’s lubricate ability.

Apart from these advantages fats also play an important role in healthy immune system, better cholesterol level and muscle development.

Sources of Fats:

Fatty fish are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, nuts, chia seed, coconut and olive oil are source of fats.