In recent years a clear link has been established between the consumption of fat and heart disease, as well as many forms of cancer, diabetes and other health problems. We often hear it said that some kinds of fats are better for you than others. It would be more accurate to say that some kinds of fats are even more harmful than others. Any types of fats added to your diet are potentially harmful. What is most misunderstood is that, without adding any fat or oil, we get all the fat we need from a well-balanced diet of vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, and fruit.
Fats have many important functions.
They store energy until it is needed and insulate the body with adipose cells that can expand like balloons. They also keep hair and skin healthy. Fats in food also give the feeling of being full for a longer time, since they slow down the process of digestion. It's easier to get your calories from fats because ounce for ounce they contain more than twice as many calories as protein or carbohydrates. Even small amounts of oil have more calories than most people realize.