Fats for Sports Performance

According to Class Notes (2015): Fats are 'a nutrient and a source of energy and they are required as part of a healthy diet'. They are important to us because they 'add taste and texture to foods, makes us feel full longer and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins'. Class Notes (2015)

Fats are important to include in your diet, however in small quantities; this is because they have useful functions however they can hinder the body if the quantity increases.

Polyunsaturated fats (PUFA)

Contain Omega 3 which is important as the body cant produce it itself. Commonly found in fish, eggs 

Monounsaturated fats (MUFA)

Help to decrease the risk of heart disease

Examples: Olive oil, peanuts and canola oil.

Saturated fats (SFA)

High in Saturated fat foods can increase the risk of heart disease. 

Examples: Butter, cakes and pastries.

Trans fats (TFA)

Act like saturated fats in the body and come from commercially prepared foods.

Examples: French fries, donuts and pizza.

Sports Performers:

20-35% of you total Calorie intake per day should come from fats, however this varies depending on the individuals exercise or training programme.

My recommended daily calorie intake is around 3000 on a moderately active day, which means the total calories I should receive from fats is between 600-1050.

According to Class Notes (2015) fats 'helps us absorb fat-soluble vitamins' this is important as our body needs fat-soluble vitamins for various processes. We know fat-soluble vitamins can help the immune system and strengthen bones. It is important for everybody to include some type of fats in their diet at the correct amount, in order for these fat-soluble vitamins to be useful. 

In terms of a Sports performer it is even more important to have a good immune system and stronger bones. A golfer travels from country to country every week playing tournaments therefore if they are ill it will be difficult to rest it off as they play for four days straight. It is important for a golfer to have a strong immune system which would mean getting the right fat-soluble vitamins in their diet. In order for these vitamins to be absorbed and used by the body the golfer would have to intake some fats.

References:

Class Notes (2015) Fats The Basics [Online] Available from: http://vle.chesterfield.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3196 [Accessed 2015]