Fat is one of the macronutrients, along with carbohydrates and protein. Just like carbohydrates, fats also serve as fuel of energy that a person needs to carry out his activities of daily living. Without fats and carbohydrates, the body will resort to proteins as its energy source. As a result, the body is going to utilize the protein in the muscles, leading to muscle shrinkage.
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are soluble in fat, as opposed to vitamins B and C, which are soluble in water. Thus, the body needs fat, in order for them to be absorbed more quickly and to be utilized by the body more efficiently.
Fats can be found in food and they can be saturated or unsaturated. Saturated fats can be obtain from animal food sources, such as pork, beef, and chicken. On the other hand, unsaturated fats can be obtain from plant sources, which include olives, corn, and avocados. What in general, what fatty foods can benefit the body?
According to Eat This, beef and salmon are fatty, but they benefit the body. As per the publication, grass-fed meat and salmon are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to decrease the risk of having heart diseases. In addition, grass-fed meat is lean and has lesser calories when compare to other sorts of animal meat. The publication added that a typical 7-ounce strip steak, contains about 386 calories. On the other hand, a 7-ounce grass-fed strip steak has 234 calories. While it could be pricey, its health benefits and better taste are worth it.
When it comes to omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is one of the first food choices that come to mind. As per Eat This, the inclusion of a fillet of salmon in a person’s meal two times a week is suggested to deliver sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids to the body, which is in sync to the recommendation of the American Heart Association. Moreover, it is known that omega-3 helps decrease the risk of having heart diseases by lowering the risk of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and arrhythmias. People can also add salmon in flaked form on a salad, along with chopped avocado for a more unique taste.
Eggs and cheese are also high in fat and they help the body at the same time. According to Men’s Health, whole eggs are sources of essential vitamins and mineral fr every calorie when compared to any other food sources. As per the publication, eggs also contain choline, which is a substance that the body needs to break down fat and yield energy. Moreover, eggs also have the anotioxidants zeaxanthin and lutein, which are known to help prevent the occurrence of eye problems like cataracts and mascular degeneration. Eggs also help in caloric management. In a study done at Saint Louis University, it was found out that people who ate eggs as part of their breakfast consumed fewer calories the rest of the day. They reportedly consumed 264 lesser calories for the entire day. Meanwhile, cheese is viewed as a great diet food, while it contains fat. As per the publication, its fat and protein help a person have a sense of fullness, preventing him from eating more. In addition, cheese can be turned into almost everything, such as dip or flavoring to a dish.
Overall, fats are macronutrients that contribute to the provision of energy to the body. Without them, the body is set to retrieve fuel from the muscles, which may adversely affect the system’s function. In line with fat intake in the body, it is also important to remember that every nutrient should be consumed in moderation to maintain the body’s optimum level of functioning.
