It is the most concentrated source of calories, providing more than two times the calories of carbohydrate or protein. Fat spares protein so that protein can be used to build and repair tissue instead of being used for energy. Fat adds to the palatability of food and is in most foods eaten by Americans.
Unsaturated fat includes both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat.
It is important to know the type of fat you are eating because of the effect it has on blood cholesterol. Saturated fat raises blood cholesterol. Unsaturated fat, except when hydrogenated, lowers blood cholesterol when substituted for saturated fat in the diet. All LivingHeart diets are low in saturated fat.