Dietary Fats - Are They Essential?

Below mentioned are the benefits of dietary fats:

1. Fats are considered to be the best source of energy that is derived from food for the body.

2. Fats which contain Medium Chain Fatty Acids, like coconut oil, help in weight loss. The good fats, increase the fat burning, reduce unhealthy cravings, and prevent unhealthy storage of fat in the body.

3. Fats from good sources are beneficial for weight gain in case of an underweight person.

4. Fats are known to maintain body temperature as they provide heat. Heat insulation is provided by the fat under the skin.

5. The calories from the fat are saved in the body as a fuel.

6. Fats which are healthy increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K along with mineral absorption.

7. Carotene is converted to vitamin A by the good fat and this is good for the eyesight.

8. Fats are considered to be good lubricants and prevent dehydration.

9. Protective padding is provided by fat around vital organs.

10. Healthy fats prevent the body from experiencing inflammation, thereby improving immunity.

11. Healthy building blocks are formed for hormones and cell membranes by fats. The good fats are used by the body to build the cell walls. The 10 trillion cells in the body require fats to metabolize insulin.

12. Fatty acids which are found in healthy fats such as caprylic acid are believed to act as anti-viral substances and antibacterial by lauric acid.

13. Butyric acid which is found in some fats like ghee help in reducing the risk of cancer.

14. Good and high-quality fats help in memory enhancement, mental functions, and happiness and learning abilities.

15. Fats like coconut oil, castor oil and ghee lubricate the colon and provide support in digestion and elimination process.

16. Ghee is considered to have some medicinal properties as it has the ability to absorb nutrients from the herbs. These fats also carry herbs to the desired tissue or organ.

17. Fat is believed to be a good source of food for pregnant women as it helps with the development of the child's brain.

18. Healthy fat rich foods are also dense in nutrients such as minerals, calcium and Vitamin E, A, D, K.

19. Flexibility and endurance are promoted by healthy fats which is very helpful in people who work for long shift hours that are physically demanding.