Most people overlook what fats can do for the body and how important this category is for an athlete. Within the body, it will depend on our fat to favor the body. “Fat, or adipose tissue, functions as an insulator to preserve body heat and protect the body's organs” (Iowa State University). Without the fats present in our bodies, athletes may be at risk of causing injury to their organs or another part. in their body during competition. To be able to perform at the athlete's highest level, it is important to ensure that the organs are protected and that body heat is well stabilized so that during competition the athlete does not experience muscle cramps or fatigue. “It is from dietary fats that we obtain EFAs (essential fatty acids) which cannot be produced in the body” (Guzmna). Essential fatty acids are fatty acids that must be ingested because the body needs them for good health but cannot produce them. "Fats are also important in making cell membranes, they are needed to create bile (which helps break down fats), cholesterol (a type of fat) is needed to make important hormones such as testosterone, and fats make foods taste better and help us feel fuller” (Guzman) When fasts are broken down, they are divided into four different categories: Trans fats, saturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. Trans fats are also known as hydrogenated fats and "increase the risk of coronary heart disease by increasing bad LDL cholesterol and decreasing good HDL cholesterol" (Guzman). look for energy in fats There are usually more bad fats than good fats, and if an athlete consumes too many bad fats, they may be at risk of coronary heart disease..