5 signs you are not eating enough fat

Most of us believe that fat is bad for our body and we are supposed to consume it as little as possible. Dietary fat has a bad reputation as it is linked with obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other ailments. But a complete absence of fat in your diet and body can also lead to severe health issues.

A 2017 study published in the Nutrition Journal suggests what confuses people about the consumption of fat is the lack of clarity about its good and bad.

Though yes, the consumption of saturated fats and trans fats lead to cardiovascular and other problems. However, there are other types of fats that are essential for your body to function properly.

So, while you are loading yourself with vitamin C, you must know that none of it will get absorbed in the body if you don’t eat an adequate amount of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. This is because most vitamins including A, D, E and K are fat-soluble. Fatty acids are also required to support the function of eyes and brain, for wound healing, blood clotting and proper production of hormones like estrogen and testosterone.

Here are the signs that indicate you are not having enough fat:

According to a study published in Acta Paediatrica in 1962, the skin is the first organ to get impaired due to fat deficiency in the body. The findings of the study are true even now. You can get dry rashes, scaly skin, dermatitis or swelling due to the deficiency of fat.

Fat molecules called prostaglandin are crucial for hair growth. When you don't eat enough fats, the hair follicles and shaft get damaged. This can lead to hair loss and other hair related issues.

Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and selenium are required for the proper functioning of the endocrine system, which produces the hormones. Fat deficiency can also lead to the deficiency of these vitamins, which can cause hormonal imbalance. It can even affect sexual and mental functions.

Deficiency of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can cause problems like fatigue when you have a fat deficiency. There is also a lack of satiety associated with fat deficiency that can lead to both mental and physical fatigue.

If you are eating enough vegetables, fruits and carbs and still falling sick frequently, it's time to check if you are getting enough fat. Fat deficiency can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, which ends up weakening your immune system. Include nuts and seeds in your daily diet to meet the fat deficiency.