developing fetus. The estrogens and progesterone are fat-
dependent and are produced in increasing quantities as
the pregnancy continues. Together they promote the
growth of the uterus and the storage of nutrients for the
fetus. The proper development of the fetus has obvious
hormonal relationships, which are dependent upon fats.
Following birth, breastfeeding helps protect the baby
against allergies, asthma and intestinal problems through
its high fat content, particularly cholesterol. The baby is
highly dependent upon the fat in the milk for survival,
especially during the first few days. During this time, the
fatty colostrum from breast milk is of vital nutritional
importance.
- Digestion.Bile from the gall bladder is triggered by fat in
the diet, which helps aid in the digestion and absorption
of important fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Most of the
fats in the diet are digested in the small intestine — a
process that involves breaking the fat into smaller parti-
cles. The pancreas, liver, gall bladder and large intestine
are also involved in the digestive process. Any of these
organs not working properly could have an adverse
impact on fat metabolism in general, but the two most
important organs are the liver, which makes bile, and the
pancreas, which make the enzyme lipase. Without suffi-
cient fat in the diet, the gall bladder will not secrete
enough bile for proper digestion. Fat also helps regulate
the rate of stomach emptying. Fats in a meal slow stom-
ach emptying, allowing for better digestion of proteins. If
you are always hungry it may be because your meal is
too low in fat and your stomach is emptying too rapidly.
Fats also slow the absorption of sugar from the small
intestines, which keeps insulin from rising too high and
too quickly — essentially, fat in the meal lowers its
glycemic index. Additionally, fats protect the inner lining
of the stomach and intestines from irritating substances
in the diet, such as alcohol and spicy foods.
THE BIG FAT LIE • 63
