Fat provides 9 Calories per gram, more than twice the number provided by carbohydrates or protein. Fat is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Linoleic acid is the most important essential fatty acid, especially for the growth and development of infants. Fatty acids provide the raw materials that help in the control of blood pressure , blood clotting, inflammation, and other body functions. Fat serves as the storage substance for the body's extra calories.
Fats are also an important energy source.
When the body has used up the calories from carbohydrate , which occurs after the first 20 minutes of exercise , it begins to depend on the calories from fat. Healthy skin and hair are maintained by fat. The remainder of the day's fat intake should be equal amounts of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat. Children under two years of age should NOT be on a fat restricted diet because cholesterol and fat are thought to be important nutrients for brain development. Eating too much saturated fat is one of the major risk factors for heart disease .