One of Life's Essentials Calling fat one of life's essentials may seem like a bold statement. Health professionals have recommended cutting back on fat for years, cautioning the public about the health risks associated with high-fat eating patterns. However, some types of fats have health benefits, while other fats when eaten in excess have adverse effects. Fat facts Eating excess amounts of certain fats, notably saturated fat, can increase risk of chronic disease.
Unsaturated fats have important functions in the body that promote health and well-being.
On average, most Americans consume too much fat, especially saturated fat. That's a lot of work for a single nutrient. We get many fats from the foods we eat. Our bodies also manufacture some fats. As with all nutrients, when we consume fat, our bodies break it down to individual components and then use those components to build something else.