In-depth analysis of the physiological functions of fat: from an energy reserve to an indispensable endocrine and regulatory center

Foods rich in fat include butter, margarine, cheese, nuts, peanuts, cocoa powder, and various animal and vegetable oils. The human body needs to consume approximately 60 grams of fat daily. Fat plays a crucial role in the body. Its absence is detrimental to both health and aesthetics, and in severe cases, can even be fatal. Fat has the following functions: it is the body's best reserve and usable energy source. Each gram of fat breaks down into carbon dioxide and water in the body, producing 38 kilojoules (9 kilocalories) of energy, more than twice that of 1 gram of protein or 1 gram of glucose.

Participates in the formation of cells and tissues. Phospholipids, glycolipids, and cholesterol constitute the lipid layer of cell membranes, and cholesterol is also a raw material for the synthesis of bile acids, vitamin D3, and lipid hormones. Maintains body temperature, protects internal organs, and buffers external pressure. Subcutaneous fat reduces heat loss and prevents external heat from being conducted into the body, maintaining a constant body temperature. Fat surrounding internal organs maintains their normal position and acts like a cushioning pad, protecting them. An important substance for promoting brain and nerve growth and development. Promotes the absorption and utilization of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

It provides essential fatty acids. Furthermore, fat plays a vital role in a woman's body. Body fat not only contributes to a woman's attractive figure but is also crucial for maintaining normal physiological functions. If a woman's body fat percentage is below 15%, it may lead to menstrual irregularities, infertility, and other health problems. In 1997, the Chinese Society of Cardiovascular Diseases, referencing international standards, recommended the following normal blood lipid levels for my country: total cholesterol ≤ 200 mg/100 ml (5.20 mmol/L) or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≤ 120 mg/100 ml (3.12 mmol/L); serum triglycerides ≤ 150 mg/100 ml (1.70 mmol/L).

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ≥35 mg/100 ml (0.91 mmol/L). If either item 1 or 2 (with or without item 3) is abnormal, a follow-up test is required after 2-3 weeks. If the result still exceeds the above standard, hyperlipidemia can be diagnosed. Hyperlipidemia is a systemic disease characterized by excessively high levels of cholesterol and/or triglycerides or low levels of HDL-C; in modern medicine, it is called dyslipidemia. Hyperlipidemia poses significant risks, and early treatment and proper medication are crucial.

When we talk about fat, the most familiar type is the white adipose tissue, which we usually avoid looking at. However, recent years have also revealed that adult mammals, like infants, also have brown adipose tissue. White and brown adipose tissue differ significantly in quantity, distribution, and function. Quantity: White adipose tissue is more abundant than brown adipose tissue. The proportion of brown adipose tissue is higher in infants and young children, gradually decreasing with age; in adults, brown adipose tissue generally accounts for less than 2% of body weight.

Distribution: White adipose tissue is widely distributed in subcutaneous tissue and around internal organs, while brown adipose tissue is mainly distributed between the shoulder blades, back of the neck, armpits, mediastinum, and around the kidneys. Function: White adipose tissue stores excess energy in the form of neutral fat and is the main form of fat storage in the body. Brown adipose tissue cells are filled with numerous fat droplets and mitochondria, and the intercellular spaces contain abundant capillaries and numerous sympathetic nerve endings. Currently, it is believed that brown adipose tissue functions like a "heat generator," producing a large amount of heat when the body eats or encounters cold stimuli; "it's like a charcoal furnace," converting fat into heat.