Fats

Fats play an important role in our diet and are essential for maintaining good health. In this article, we answer frequently asked questions about fats: what are fats, where do they come from and how are they digested?

What are fats?

Fats, also known as lipids, are a group of nutrients that are crucial for the body. They act as a source of energy, help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E and K) and contribute to the protection of organs. Fats can be divided into saturated fats, unsaturated fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) and trans fats.

Saturated fats often come from animal products, while unsaturated fats are usually found in vegetable oils and nuts. Trans fats are often found in processed foods and can be harmful to health.

Where are fats found?

Fats are found in both animal and plant products. Common sources of fats are:

Animal products such as butter, cheese, meat and full-fat dairy products
Vegetable oils such as olive oil, sunflower oil and coconut oil
Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring
Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts and chia seeds
Avocados and coconut products
Processed foods such as cakes, biscuits and fried foods

Lipase and the digestion of fats

Lipase is an important digestive enzyme that helps break down fats in our body. It is mainly produced in the pancreas and is active in the small intestine, where it breaks down triglycerides (the main fats in our diet) into fatty acids and glycerol. This breakdown is necessary because the body needs these smaller molecules to absorb fats and use them for energy and other functions.

Without sufficient lipase, fats cannot be properly digested, which can affect the absorption of fatty acids and glycerol in the body. This can hinder the efficient utilisation of energy and other functions. Fatty acids that are properly broken down can be absorbed through the intestinal wall and used by the body for energy, hormone production and cell repair.