The Purpose of Fat in Human Nutrition
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Fat is used as a form of energy storage. Fat stores can be converted to energy when other, more immediate, reserves are exhausted. An example is that when an athlete has burned all of the immediate energy supply (carbohydrates, sugars and glycogen) the body begins converting stored fat to energy. Another example would be in the case of food deprivation.
Another purpose of fat is for insulation against cold external temperatures. The vital organs are protected with padding and insulation from trauma and temperature change. Native Eskimo people are a good example of how fat can insulate from extreme cold temperatures. In fact, fatty tissue is helping each of us regulate body temperature in every moment.
The components of fats known as fatty acids are important in metabolic functions in all systems of the body. A good approach to fat consumption is eating to obtain these healthy essential fatty acids. Fats also carry fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E and K.