First off, we shouldn’t fear fat as a whole! Fat is a natural oily substance occurring in animal bodies, especially when deposited as a layer under the skin or around certain organs.

Virtually all natural foods contain some fat.  It is in foods because both plants and animals use fats as the most economical way to store energy.  It is needed for their growth, development and function when there is a shortage of food supply.

Certain specific dietary fats have other essential functions. We are much like other animals so we do actually need some fat from our diet to survive.  And while in general, as with most things, too much fat is bad, a certain amount is perfectly compatible with good health.