In the last few decades, fat has become the villain of the food world, the skulking purveyor of chubbiness, clogged arteries and death. Put a label marked low-fat on anything and it will sell better than its fatty counterparts.

Now a growing number of food scientists are suggesting that a certain amount of fat is needed for your body health. In other words, don’t believe all the bad hype about fat.

Fat is a nutrient, though it is rarely called that. You need it if your body is to function effectively. It plays a key role in absorbing vitamins A, D, E and K, because they are all fat soluble.

Fat is needed to keep your energy high and your hair and skin looking healthy.