Fat Calories

What are fat calories?

From 20 to 35% of daily caloric consumption are fat calories. This is why it is important to know what are fat calories. Depending on food source there are fat, carbohydrate, and protein calories.
So, what are fat calories? Fat calories are calories of fat origin.
Fats are food substances that the body needs to build its constituents. Fats are also used as body fuel to produce warmth. If fats are not burned for energy, they are accumulated in fat cells. Some people consume more fats than are needed for the body.

Considering the problem of what are fat calories, doctors warn that excessive fat consumption results in obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other unpleasant conditions. However, all people must get some amount of fats with food. Fats are necessary for the body to function in the right way. People should control the food consumption to manage the weight successfully. Doctors recommend that adults get from 20 to 35% of fat calories. One gram of fat produces 9 calories. Daily fat consumption should not exceed 50–80 grams.

Fat and calories

Some people think that fat and calories are not good for health. The sad truth is that many people consume fat and calories in excess. However, reasonable amounts of fat and calories are really needed for growth and activity. Fat and calories in food are required for creation of cell membranes, nervous tissue, and hormones of human body. The body also uses fat and calories to cover energy demands. If fats are not burned for energy or used for the creation of structural components, they are accumulated in adipose tissue.

Calories are measure of energy and are needed for the right functioning of the body. Fat and calories must be consumed in moderate amounts. It is recommended to get fat and calories from unsaturated fats. Saturated fats and trans-fats must be limited. Thus, fat and calories are necessary for body development. Fats take part in absorption of some fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. Fat also keeps the body warmth and protects internal organs. Fat and calories are needed for body energy. It is good to know the quantities of fat and calories in consumed food. Reasonable approach to eating, correct choice of foods, and regular exercise are key factor of healthy way of life.

Calories from fat

Calories are energy source for the body. Calories are necessary for life and are needed for breathing, food digesting, and moving. However, excess of calories from fat accumulates in the body as fat. Conversion of excessive calories from fat into adipose tissue is not good for health. Excessive calories from fat may contribute to obesity and associated illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Scientists demonstrated that calories from fat lead to comparable amounts of weight gain as calories of carbohydrate origin. However, researchers found that the share of calories from fat does not influence considerably on weight loss in long-term perspective. The high proportion of calories from fat is clearly associated with increased probability of heart attack and stroke.

Important is also the type of fat consumed. It was shown that trans-fats are particularly detrimental from the standpoint of the development of diabetes and heart disease. In contrast, unsaturated fats are in fact useful because they reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Therefore, the value of good diet is extremely important. Regular exercise is also of particular significance because it helps the body to utilize calories from fat in the most efficient manner.