Fats

Question 1

What do we need fats for?

Answer 1

• They provide a concentrated source of energy (twice as much energy per gram as proteins and carbs).
• They are a source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
• Fat forms an insulating layer under our skin which keeps us warm.
• These layers of fat also protect our bones and organs (e.g. our heart and kidneys).
• Our bodies also use fat to make cholesterol, which is an essential part of all cell membranes.

Question 2

What are fats made up of?

Answer 2

Fatty acids and glycerol in the form of triglycerides.

Question 3

What are fatty acid chains made of?

Answer 3

Carbon and hydrogen.

Question 4

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Answer 4

Saturated fatty acids only have single C-C bonds, unsaturated fatty acids contain at least one C=C double bond in their carbon chains.

Question 5

What does our body break down fats into and in which process?

Answer 5

Breaks down into fatty acids during digestion.

Question 6

What decides whether a fat is saturated or unsaturated in the body?

Answer 6

The ratio of saturated to unsaturated fats.

Question 7

What type of fat is classed as unhealthy?

Answer 7

Saturated fats.

Question 8

What state of matter are saturated fats at room temperature?

Answer 8

Generally solids.

Question 9

Where can you find saturated fats?

Answer 9

Tend to come from animal sources such as meats (including processed meats like sausages and burgers), butter, lard, suet, and cheese, but they can also come from plant sources like coconut butter.

Question 10

What happens when you have too much saturated fat in the diet?

Answer 10

Can increase cholesterol levels in the blood, which can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

Question 11

What type of fat is classed as healthier?

Answer 11

Unsaturated fats.

Question 12

What state of matter are unsaturated fats at room temperature?

Answer 12

Generally soft or liquid

Question 13

Where can you find unsaturated fats?

Answer 13

Vegetable sources that are high in fat (e.g. flax seeds and peanuts) and vegetable oils (e.g. sunflower, rapeseed and olive oils).

Question 14

What are monounsaturated fats and where can they be found?

Answer 14

• Contain one C=C double bond in their carbon chains.

- Found in foods such as olive oil, almonds, peanut butter and avocados.

Question 15

What are polyunsaturated fats and where can they be found?

Answer 15

• Contain more than one C=C double bond.

- Found in foods such as sesame oil, soybean oil, seeds and oily fish.

Question 16

According to government guidelines, how much of our food energy per day should fats make up?

Answer 16

No more than 35%, with no more than 11% coming from saturated fat.

Question 17

What is the recommended amount of fat per day for an adult?

Answer 17

70g, with a maximum of 20g of this being saturated fat.

Question 18

Do most people in the UK eat more or less fat than is recommended?

Answer 18

More.

Question 19

What can an excess of fat lead to?

Answer 19

• weight gain. Excess fat is stored under the skin and around our organs in some cases.
• Excessive levels of fat in the body lead to obesity. Obesity is a common disorder in developed countries such as the UK.
• Obesity can lead to diet-related health issues like type-2 diabetes, where the body struggles to control blood sugar levels.
• Too much saturated fat in the diet can increase blood cholesterol levels. Cholesterol builds up in blood vessels such as arteries and restricts blood flow around the body - this increases the risk of high blood pressure, a stroke, a heart attack and coronary heart disease.

Question 20

What can a deficiency of fat lead to?

Answer 20

• A lack of fat in the diet means that less fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K are absorbed by the body. This causes vitamin deficiency which leads to various health issues.
• If there’s also a lack of carbohydrate in the diet, the body will start to use its fat store for energy. Therefore, not eating enough fat can lead to weight loss if there’s also a lack of carbohydrate in the diet.
• Less far means there’s less insulation to keep the body warm, and so a person with a fat deficiency will become colder faster.
• It also means there will be a thinner layer of fat under the sin to protect the body from knocks.