Here are some additional reasons why fats are so important👇🏽👇🏽⁣ ▪️During light to moderate intensities and long-duration exercise, fatty acids are a major fuel source for muscle contraction. When you restrict your fat intake, you run a greater risk of low energy availability.⁣ ▪️Fat helps to maintain body temperature, protect our organs, make up the structure of cells, support our immune system, & facilitate nerve actions. They’re also necessary for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins and provide our body with essential fatty acids and fat-soluble phytonutrients. These nutrients are of great value to the overall health & longevity of athletes.⁣ ▪️Consuming adequate fat is essential for maintaining healthy hormone levels. A study of endurance athletes found that fat intake was the major distinguishing factor between healthy female runners and those with menstrual dysfunction. Research has also linked low-fat diets with a decrease in testosterone levels in men.⁣ ▪️There should be a greater emphasis on consuming more monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids relative to total fat intake than saturated fats. These fats support the functions stated above & have been shown to provide additional health benefits. Food sources shared in this reel: nuts, nut butters, seeds, avocado, olives, olive & avocado oil, fatty fish like salmon Please tag + share with someone who may find this helpful!🥑💚⁣ #sportsnutrition #eleatnutrition #fuelyourbody #healthyfats #sportsdietitian #reels #reelsinstagram #foodreels #nutritiontips