Examples of fats and oils

Examples of these ingredients include fish oil, vegetable oils such as soy oil, sunflower oil, and animal fats including chicken fat.

What do fats and oils provide?

Fats and oils may be sources of energy, omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, and omega-6 fatty acids. Fats and oils may also provide vitamin D and vitamin E.

Benefits of fats and oils

In measured amounts, fats and oils are crucial for storing energy; a gram of fats represents approximately 8.5 kcal of metabolizable energy, almost two and a half times more than a gram of carbohydrates or proteins provides. Fats and oils support skin health, skin integrity, and prostaglandin synthesis. Essential fatty acids also have structural roles for the cell or act as precursors to specific hormones.