In nutrition, biology, and chemistry, fat usually means any ester of fatty acids, or a mixture of such compounds, most commonly those that occur in living beings or in food. [1]

Dec 2, 2025 · A fat is any substance of plant or animal origin that is nonvolatile, insoluble in water, and oily or greasy to the touch. Together with oils, fats comprise one of the three principal classes of …

Dec 9, 2024 · The fats in your food don’t automatically turn into body fat (adipose tissue). Your body only stores fat if you take in more calories from protein, carbs or fats than your body needs to burn for …

Feb 15, 2023 · Not all fat is created equal. Find out which type of fat to choose — and which to avoid — for good health.

American Heart Association

Apr 19, 2021 · "Fat helps give your body energy, protects your organs, supports cell growth, keeps cholesterol and blood pressure under control, and helps your body absorb vital nutrients. When you …

2 days ago · High-fat foods provide essential nutrients that help manage cholesterol and support heart health. Examples include avocados, olive oil, and nuts.

2 days ago · For decades, nutrition experts and health officials have warned against eating too much saturated fat. Red meat, full-fat dairy products, fried foods and other big sources of the nutrient can ...

Mar 17, 2025 · When it comes to health, not all fats are equal. This article looks at the sources and types of fat, their effects on the body, and how much to add to the diet.

Learn what dietary fats do for the body and how much fat is recommended per day. Look up how much fat is in popular foods, like avocados and eggs.