Fats have a bad reputation. Together with carbohydrates, they are the most avoided macronutrients. However, fats are important and have their specific functions in the body. In order to lose weight or prevent weight gain, you should consume them in small quantities, not exclude them completely. Eliminating fat from the diet can have a negative effect on he alth.
Our body needs fat to function properly. They are involved in a number of biological processes and functions, writes he althline.com. The lack of sufficient fat can lead to disturbances and difficulties in the performance of some functions in the body. This, in turn, can cause he alth problems.
Why does the body need fat in the diet?
The body needs fat to perform some vital functions. Here are some of them:
1. Fats help the absorption of some vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins are A, E, K, D. Without the presence of fat in the diet, these vitamins cannot be absorbed by the body and used as intended.
2. Support cell growth and division Fats provide structural elements for cell membranes. Together with proteins, they support the processes of cell division and regeneration. They are responsible for cell growth. Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in the division and growth of cells of the nervous system, brain, cardiovascular system, eyes, skin.
3. They help to heal wounds. Since fats are part of the process of cell regeneration and division, this means that without their participation, the healing and healing processes of wounds also become difficult.
4. Production and transfer of hormones. Fats are involved in the processes of synthesis and transfer of hormones. In their absence, these processes become difficult, which can result in a number of hormonal imbalances.
5. Tessa source of energy. Fats provide high levels of energy. If consumed within reasonable limits so as not to exceed the recommended daily intake, fats provide about 9-10% of the body's energy levels.
What are the signs of dietary fat deficiency?
Problems with digestive function
People who maintain a balanced diet without excluding entire groups of nutrients from it rarely suffer from digestive problems. But if you have drastically reduced or eliminated fat from your diet, you are likely to suffer from inflammation of the intestines, constipation, fibrosis of the mucous membranes of the gastro-intestinal tract, pancreatic insufficiency due to the inability to absorb certain vitamins and substances needed for the synthesis of enzymes from the pancreas.
Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamins are divided into water- and fat-soluble. Fat-soluble are A, E, K and D. Without the presence of useful fats in the diet, their absorption is impossible or very difficult. With a long-term deficiency of fat in the diet, the inability to absorb these vitamins can lead to infertility, swollen gums, inflammation, night blindness, easy bruising, dry and weak hair, hair loss, depression, loose and falling teeth, muscle pain, blood clots, dermatitis and others.
Slow wound healing
Since fats are involved in the synthesis, division and regeneration of cells, their absence from food can make this process difficult. Most recognizable among the signs of this is the difficult healing of wounds. Vitamins A and D are also involved in wound healing. Since their absorption is blocked due to fat deficiency, this further complicates the processes of cell regeneration.
Hair Loss
Fat in the diet promotes hair growth. They are involved in the formation of follicles and hair growth. Fats are also important for the texture and condition of the hair. If you do not consume he althy fats for a long period of time, it will affect the normal growth cycles of all hairs on the body. In addition, there will also be a vitamin deficiency of valuable vitamins that the hair needs to be he althy.
Frequently sick
Strictly restricting fat in the diet can lead to weakness in the immune system and susceptibility to frequent illnesses. Immune system cells need fat to divide and activate properly. Essential fatty acids are also important for the growth of immune cells. When they are absent from the diet, immune system processes can be disrupted.
