Lipids and fats play important roles in the body and in the diet. Lipids are an essential component in all the body's cells. Body fat serves as an energy reserve and protective cushioning for vital organs. It also helps regulate body temperature and is needed for hormone production and regulation. Fats also add flavor to foods and provide many of the textures we find desirable.
Fats tend to give a longer feeling of fullness after being consumed because they are slow to digest.
There is a growing concern about high fat diets because they have been linked to increased risk of colon, breast, and prostate cancers, and many other diseases. Eating too much fat increases the risk of obesity which is a risk factor for some cancers, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Fat contributes over twice the amount of calories per gram as carbohydrate or protein. Extra calories from fat are more likely to be stored as body fat, whereas we have a tougher time making fat from extra carbohydrates or proteins. In light of the above facts, the best nutritional advice for healthy adults who want to help prevent many kinds of cancer and chronic diseases is to consume a diet that is low in fat.