Fats

Question 1

What are the uses of fats in our bodies?

Answer 1

• Provide a concentrated source of energy
• A source of fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K)
• Forms an insulating layer under the skin which keeps us warm
• Protects our bones and organs
• Used to make cholesterol, an essential part of 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 acids made up 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 a single C-C bond, whereas unsaturated fatty acids have at least one double C-C bond.

Question 5

What are the properties of saturated fats?

Answer 5

• They are bad for health
• They are usually solid at room temperature

Question 6

What are the properties of unsaturated fats?

Answer 6

• Healthier than unsaturated fats
• Soft or liquid at room temperature

Question 7

What are the sources of saturated fats?

Answer 7

• Animal sources e.g. meat and dairy
• coconut and palm oil

Question 8

What are the sources of unsaturated fats?

Answer 8

• Vegetable oils
• Nuts and seeds
• Oily fish

Question 9

What is the difference between monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats?

Answer 9

Monounsaturated fats contain one double C-C chain, whereas polyunsaturated fats contain 2 or more.

Question 10

What are the sources of monounsaturated fats?

Answer 10

Foods such as olive oil, peanut butter, almonds and avocado

Question 11

What are the sources of polyunsaturated fats?

Answer 11

Foods such as sesame oil, soybean oil, seeds and oily fish

Question 12

How much fat should an average adult consume daily?

Answer 12

70g of fat, with a maximum of 20g of that being saturated.
This is around 35% of the bodies daily energy

Question 13

What are the effects of an excess of fat in the diet?

Answer 13

• weight gain
• obesity
• type-2 diabetes
• high levels of cholesterol, which can build up in the blood vessels, leading to a greater risk of high blood pressure, a stroke, a heart attack and coronary heart disease.

Question 14

What are the effects of fat deficiency?

Answer 14

• Weight loss (when combined with carbohydrate deficiency)
• a lack of fat soluble vitamins
• becoming colder faster
• organs and bones less protected