FATS : The concentrated energy source

Weight, more than twice the energy provided by either protein or carbohydrate, imparts palatability to the diet and retards stomach emptying time.

Fats are important for the absorption of vitamin A and B-carotene in the diet.

Fats derived from the vegetable sources provide essential fatty acids which have vitamin-like functions in the body and important for the structure & function of cells and tissues.The poly-unsaturated fatty acids (P.U.F.A.) present in oils are composed mainly of linolenic, linoleic, and oleic acids. The linoleic acid prevents cardio-vascular diseases and coronary heart disease.

P.U.F.A. present in oils like groundnut, safflower, or sunflower oil also prevent an increase in serum cholesterol in a high fat diet and thus are anti-atherogenic.

Fats give considerable amount of energy to the body.

Mathematically, 1 g of fat=» 9 KCal=» 37.8 KJ