Fats are the primary substances of adipose tissue. A layer of fat beneath the skin, known as subcutaneous fat, insulates the body from environmental temperature changes thereby preserving body heat. Fats are referred to in the plural because there is no one type of fat. One molecule of fat can be broken down into three molecules of fatty acids and one molecule of glycerol. Thus, stored fats are known chemically as triglycerides.
Fats are a vital nutrient in a healthy diet.
Fats supply essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, which is especially important to childhood growth. Fat helps maintain healthy skin, regulate cholesterol metabolism and is a precursor of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that regulate some body processes. Dietary fat is needed to carry fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and to aid in their absorption from the intestine. Fat is stored energy. It cushions organs and body parts and insulates the body.