Emily
Composition: Fats are composed of glycerol and fatty acids. The glycerol is made up of three carbon atoms and three OH groups. The fatty acids are divided into saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Each is a string of carbons bonded to many hydrogen atoms and an OH and oxygen at one end. The saturated fatty acids have single carbon bonds and no empty hydrogen spaces on the carbon chains. The unsaturated fatty acids have at least one double bond between carbons, and each of these carbons only bonds to one hydrogen each, leaving empty spaces on the chain. One empty space means it is monounsaturated and two or more empty spaces means it is polyunsaturated. It is easier for the human body to break down unsaturated fats because there are fewer hydrogen atoms on the chain.
Uses of Fat: The human body needs a certain amount of fat to function properly. Some of the uses of fat in the human body include: for cell membranes, nerves, lipid bilayer for plasma membrane and eucaryotic cells, fluidity and functional properties of membranes, organ cushioning, fuel and energy sources, to absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K, regulates fat deposits in blood, makes sex hormones, make up brain and nerve cells. The body can not synthesize all the fat it needs, so the only way to receive them is through consumption. Among the fats the body can not synthesize are linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids. Fat deficiency can result in skin lesions, fragile red blood cells, hair and weight loss, and kidney damage, among others.
Too Much Fat: An excess of fat in the diet is also harmful. It can lead to atherosclerosis, poor circulation, heart attacks, strokes, clogged blood vessels, cardiovascular disease, and cancers (especially of the breast, prostate, colon, and uterus.)
Solution: The best thing to do is to eat a balanced diet, including foods with natural fats. These foods have moderate amounts of fat with nutritional value. Foods such as olive oil, fish, nuts, and avocados are easy for the body to break down and use efficiently. Avoid hydrogenated, processed, and super saturated fatty foods. These foods are difficult to break down due to the large number of hydrogen atoms on the fat molecules. Greasy foods have little nutritional value, and are over hydrogenated by being pumped with extra hydrogen atoms. Eat a balanced diet, and moderation is the key to avoiding a fat build up while still providing your body with what it needs to function.