Q. Everyone I know is obsessed with eating a low-fat diet. Don`t we need some fat in our diet? Is it possible to eat too little fat?
A. Dietary fat deficiency has not been reported in healthy Americans. But it has sometimes been reported in people who are too sick to feed themselves and in those who have conditions that interfere with the normal function of their intestines, liver and pancreas.
It has also been found in people who severely restrict their intake of calories. In addition, when you do not get enough fat, your skin becomes extremely dry and flaky.
According to the National Research Council of the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences, you need about 15 grams of fat each day to be healthy. Americans take in, on average, about 85 grams a day, more than five times the recommended amount.
Your body needs a small amount of unsaturated fatty acids to form cell membranes and hormones that regulate body processes.
You also need fat so your body can absorb minerals and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. You can get all the fatty acids you need just by using vegetable oils when you cook and by eating whole grains, seeds and nuts.
