But nutritionists say fats are a vital part of a balanced diet. They are necessary for proper growth and development, and they are an important source of energy for the body. In fact, fats are the most concentrated source of energy in the diet. Once the body has satisfied its immediate need for energy, the rest is stored in fatty tissues. These stored deposits are important in insulating the body and supporting and cushioning organs.
Fats also play an important role in transporting certain essential vitamins throughout the body.
In addition, fats are responsible for much of the great taste and texture in the foods we like. The key to a healthy diet is to regulate the amount and type of fats we consume. There are several types of fats, but all are made up of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids contain the most hydrogen, and polyunsaturated fatty acids contain the least. Certain fatty acids cannot be produced by the body, and must be provided by the diet.