Take Away Points- Fats

Review

Fat in our bodies provide the following general benefits:

• • Temperature regulation
  • Balanced sugar levels in your blood
  • Healthy metabolic rates
  • Good neurological functions
  • Adequate vitamin absorption and storage
  • Better reproductive system and health
  • Balanced hormone levels
  • Protection (cushioning) from trauma
  • Energy storage (long-term (fasting) and for routine use between meals
  • Routine fuel for some cells like brain cell

When fat is present in our bodies as the wrong type, in the wrong place, and in the wrong quantity then the possible diseases that can result include:

• • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Atherosclerosis
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart attacks
  • Strokes
  • Arthritis
  • Colorectal and breast cancer
  • Hormonal disturbances
  • Complicated pregnancies

Fats and Diet

It would be wrong to assume that we should have a low fat diet.  Fats are clearly essential for maintaining good health.  The primary source of non-essential fats are refined foods with high carbohydrate content and low fiber.  Processed foods including highly refined sugars lead to the  production and storage of visceral fat which is more dangerous than subcutaneous fat.

Note too that healthy foods consumed in excess have the same effect as eating processed foods. When consumed in high enough quantities the excess calories leads to the production and storage of both visceral and subcutaneous fat.

Tips to Maintain Healthy Fat Levels

• Limit the daily consumption of carbohydrates and calories.  
• Consume a fair amount of proteins to avoid losing your muscle mass as you burn excess fats. 
• Eat regularly enough to avoid getting ravenously hungry.
• Regular aerobic vigorous activity helps to burn and convert fat.
• Incorporate strength training into your exercise routine as it increases metabolism, muscle mass, and prevents weight gain. 
• Fasting occasionally also helps since the body will burn the fat stores to tide you over until the next meal. For this same reason avoid eating high calorie snacks between meals.

The following is a YouTube video highlighting exercises that will help kids burn fat. Have fun!

References

• https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/food-and-nutrition/353140
• https://www.nutrientsreview.com/lipids/fats.html
• https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/monoglycerides#food-labels
• https://www.nutrientsreview.com/lipids/cholesterol.html
• https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fatty-acids.html
• https://diannecraft.org/essential-fatty-acids-the-brain/
• https://biochemden.com/essential-fatty-acids-definition-notes-biology/