Rasvades

Rasvades is a term used in nutrition and anatomy to refer to the body's stored fats, contained primarily in adipose tissue, and to the fats present in the diet as a macronutrient. In the body, fat serves as a compact energy reserve, provides insulation and cushioning, and participates in various metabolic and signaling processes.

Adipose tissue is distributed in several depots, including subcutaneous fat under the skin and visceral fat around internal organs. Adipocytes, the cells that store fat as triacylglycerols, can expand or contract in response to energy balance. Beyond storage, adipose tissue secretes hormones and cytokines, collectively called adipokines, such as leptin and adiponectin, which help regulate appetite, metabolism, and inflammation.

Metabolism of rasvades involves lipogenesis (fat creation) when energy intake exceeds expenditure and lipolysis (fat breakdown) to supply energy during fasting or increased activity. These processes are hormonally controlled, with insulin promoting storage and catecholamines and glucagon promoting mobilization. Dietary fats contribute essential fatty acids, energy, and fat-soluble vitamins, and vary in composition by saturation level: saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fats. Essential fatty acids, such as linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, must be obtained from food.

Health aspects of rasvades depend on total amount and distribution. Excess visceral fat is linked to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, while healthy subcutaneous fat can play a protective role. Dietary guidance generally emphasizes limiting trans fats and excessive saturated fats, while favoring unsaturated fats from plant and fish sources. Measurement of fat distribution and adipose function often uses imaging techniques and biomarker analyses in research and clinical contexts.