What Are the Functions of Fat in Animal Cells?
Despite the negative press that fat often gets, it is a necessary component of the body. While too much fat can lead to health problems, including diabetes and decreased organ function, too little fat can also have disastrous effects on a person’s health. Fat serves many functions and is one of the essential parts of a healthy body. Regulates Body Temperature Fat insulates and helps to maintain body temperature. Lower levels of fat can lead to an inability to tolerate cold. According to Dr. Weil of DrWeil.com, a healthy male under the age of 40 should have 8 to 19 percent body fat. A woman of the same age should have 21 to 32 percent. Women need a higher level of body fat in order to help with reproduction. Stores Energy When you take in food, it is broken down into simple nutrients, including fats. These nutrients are burned for energy, and the nutrients that are not used are stored in fat cells. Fat cells can remain in the body for a very long time, and this stored energy can be acce
