There have been numerous studies which show being overweight has extremely bad effects on health and, in particular, the heart, kidneys and liver. Not all fat is bad for the body, and it actually carries out some very important functions.
In fact, the body requires fat in order to survive. Fat controls the temperature of our body and ensures the functioning of cells. It also helps the body to absorb vitamins and boost the immune system. Body fat protects organs and bones from damage and insulates.
The body absorbs fat from food. When the body breaks down fat, it produces glycerol and fatty acids. Glycerol is then converted into glucose by the liver and stored for energy, while fatty acids provide energy for skeletal and cardiac muscles as well as other tissues.
It is important to include the correct amount of fat in our diet to allow our bodies to function properly.
Fat only becomes a danger when consumed in large quantities and everyone is aware of the risks and links of obesity and heart disease, diabetes and other ailments. Possibly not so well known is that there are two different ways fat is stored the body, with one having a more adverse effect on our health than the other.
Subcutaneous fat lies beneath the skin and is responsible for insulating the body and storing energy. Subcutaneous fat is not the most dangerous type but generally causes the most concern due to the unsightly appearance. It is visible, and in today’s society can affect confidence and sociability. The only way to get rid of subcutaneous fat is through diet and exercise.
The most dangerous type of fat is visceral Fat. It is found in the abdominal cavity around the liver, pancreas and intestines. Having excessive amounts of visceral fat greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, sleep apnoea, high blood pressure and diabetes. Chemicals called cytokines are secreted which increase the chances of these diseases and can decrease the bodies sensitivity to insulin.
As visceral fat is found deep inside the body it remains hidden. Not all individuals will have a large quantity of both types of fat. Therefor an individual with low levels of Subcutaneous Fat may not think they are overweight as it does not show. (The fat is not under the skin) However, levels of visceral fat can still be high, meaning they are in just as much risk of heart disease and other health problems than that of an individual that is obviously obese.
The only way to ensure low quantities of both types of fat, is to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, and consume less fat.
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In fact, the body requires fat in order to survive. Fat controls the temperature of our body and ensures the functioning of cells. It also helps the body to absorb vitamins and boost the immune system. Body fat protects organs and bones from damage and insulates.
The body absorbs fat from food. When the body breaks down fat, it produces glycerol and fatty acids. Glycerol is then converted into glucose by the liver and stored for energy, while fatty acids provide energy for skeletal and cardiac muscles as well as other tissues.
It is important to include the correct amount of fat in our diet to allow our bodies to function properly.
Fat only becomes a danger when consumed in large quantities and everyone is aware of the risks and links of obesity and heart disease, diabetes and other ailments. Possibly not so well known is that there are two different ways fat is stored the body, with one having a more adverse effect on our health than the other.
Subcutaneous fat lies beneath the skin and is responsible for insulating the body and storing energy. Subcutaneous fat is not the most dangerous type but generally causes the most concern due to the unsightly appearance. It is visible, and in today’s society can affect confidence and sociability. The only way to get rid of subcutaneous fat is through diet and exercise.
The most dangerous type of fat is visceral Fat. It is found in the abdominal cavity around the liver, pancreas and intestines. Having excessive amounts of visceral fat greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, sleep apnoea, high blood pressure and diabetes. Chemicals called cytokines are secreted which increase the chances of these diseases and can decrease the bodies sensitivity to insulin.
As visceral fat is found deep inside the body it remains hidden. Not all individuals will have a large quantity of both types of fat. Therefor an individual with low levels of Subcutaneous Fat may not think they are overweight as it does not show. (The fat is not under the skin) However, levels of visceral fat can still be high, meaning they are in just as much risk of heart disease and other health problems than that of an individual that is obviously obese.
The only way to ensure low quantities of both types of fat, is to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, and consume less fat.
Follow @Natural_Answers
