National Greasy Food Day

By Diane Forrest,

This month many states are experiencing their state fairs.  This is a time where people can display their livestock, crafts, produce, where bands play, people dance, kids can ride rides and everyone eats!  The sights, sounds and smells at a state fair are indescribable.  Each year there is something new to try, and the food is no exception.  It seems the latest trend is to see what new food can be fried.

You can find all types of fried food at a fair.  From corn dogs and funnel cakes to fried Twinkies and fried coke.  There are fried shiskabobs and fried vegetables and enough grease to float a ship.

People don't eat like that all the time; however fats are necessary in the diet.  Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning they can only be digested, absorbed, and transported in conjunction with fats. Fats are also sources of essential fatty acids, an important dietary requirement.

Fats play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and hair, insulating body organs against shock, maintaining body temperature, and promoting healthy cell function.

Fats also serve as energy stores for the body. They are broken down in the body to release glycerol and free fatty acids. The glycerol can be converted to glucose by the liver and thus used as a source of energy.

Today is National Greasy Food Day.  The South is known for its fried food, fried chicken and catfish are staples here.  Served with hot buttered biscuits and mashed potatoes and gravy you could clog up your arteries in no time.  Although we don't eat like that every day, today is a perfect excuse to drop the diet and dig into some fries or onion rings.  Don't go overboard, but enjoy something greasy today.