Physiological functions of fat

Everyone has a lot of fat in their body, especially for those who are obese, they have more fat in their body than normal people. Everyone knows that fat can keep us warm in winter, and when our body lacks energy, fat can also provide us with energy, so fat is indispensable. So what are the physiological functions of fat?

The main physiological function of fat is to supply energy to the human body. Each gram of fat oxidation can produce 9 kcal of energy. Excess fat in the body will be converted into adipose tissue and stored under the skin, omentum, mesentery and around the kidneys. These places are called the body's "fat depots." When the human body cannot get food supplements (such as fasting, vomiting), the fat in the fat storage is used to provide energy for the human body. Fat can also dissolve vitamins A, D, E, and K and promote the absorption and utilization of these vitamins.

Fat is mainly distributed in the human body's subcutaneous tissue, greater omentum, mesentery and around the kidneys. The amount of fat in the body often changes with factors such as nutritional status and energy consumption. Its main physiological effects are:

(1) Supply heat energy. Fats contain more carbon and hydrogen than carbohydrates. Therefore, more heat can be released during oxidation. 1 gram of fat can release 9.3 kcal of heat energy, making it the nutrient with the highest heat production.

(2)Constitute human tissue. The phospholipids and cholesterol in fat are the main components of human cells, and are found most abundantly in brain cells and nerve cells. Some steroids are essential substances for the production of steroid hormones in the body, such as adrenal cortex hormones, sex hormones, etc.

(3) Provide essential fatty acids. The essential fatty acids needed by the human body are provided by dietary fat. It is mainly used for the synthesis of phospholipids and is an important component of all cell structures; maintaining normal permeability of skin microvessels, as well as its role in sperm formation and the synthesis of prostaglandins are all important functions of essential fatty acids.

(4) Increase appetite and promote the absorption of some vitamins. Food without fat or with little fat is not delicious. Fatty food can increase flavor and promote the absorption and utilization of some vitamins A, D, E, and K that are dissolved in fat.

(5) Regulate body temperature and protect internal organs. Most of the fat is stored under the skin and is used to regulate body temperature, protect temperature-sensitive tissues, and prevent heat loss. Fat is distributed and fills the gaps between internal organs, protecting them from vibration and mechanical damage and maintaining the growth and development of the skin.

(6) Increase satiety. Fat is digested more slowly and stays longer in the stomach, which increases the feeling of fullness and makes people less likely to feel hungry.