Fats, or lipids, are nutrients in food that the body uses to build nerve tissue and hormones. The body also uses fat as a fuel. If ingested fats are not burned as energy or used as building blocks to make or repair cells, they are stored by the body in fat cells. This is the body's way of saving fat for future use, should there be a time when food is scarce.

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning they can only be digested, absorbed, and transported when fats are present. Fats are also sources of essential fatty acids, an important dietary requirement.

While it is nearly impossible to remove fat completely from the diet, it would be unhealthy to do so. Some fatty acids are essential nutrients, meaning that they can't be produced in the body and need to be consumed in small amounts. All other fats required by the body are non-essential and can be produced in the body.

Different Kinds of Fats – Some are Good!

There are different types of fats in foods including saturated, unsaturated and trans fats. Choosing the right amount and types of oils and fats can lower your risk of developing certain diseases such as heart disease. For good health, include a small amount of unsaturated fat and limit the amount of saturated and trans fat in your day.

Fresh turkey cuts are low in fat when the skin is removed, but do consist of a small amount fat to help fulfill your fat requirements of approximately 25-30% of your total daily intake.