Each gram of fat provides nine calories, while the same amount of protein or carbohydrate provides only four calories. For example, one tablespoon of butter or margarine has approximately 123 calories. While one tablespoon of sugar has only about 45 calories.
Some fat is needed in the diet for proper growth and maintenance of a healthy body.
Many of the foods we eat contain some fat. The amount of fat, and kind of fats eaten may increase one's risk for heart disease. For example, butter, bacon, and other animal products are high in saturated fats. There are also some plant sources of saturated fats. These can be found in solid shortenings, coconut oil, and palm oil.