Fats Flashcards
In what two forms can fats be present in food?
Fats can be present as solid fats or liquid oils.
List three functions of fats in the body.
Fats act as a concentrated energy store, produce cell membranes, and insulate the body to reduce heat loss.
What role do fats play in the absorption of vitamins?
Fats allow the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as A and D.
Name two sources of animal fats.
Bacon and butter.
Name two sources of plant fats.
Olive oil and avocados.
What are symptoms of fat deficiency?
Muscle loss, inability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, increased heat loss, and higher risk of heart disease due to omega-3 deficiency.
What are potential effects of consuming too much fat?
Weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
What is the dietary reference value for fat intake in adults?
The average adult should consume around 70 g of fat per day, with no more than 20 g coming from saturated fat.
What are the two main types of fatty acids in fat molecules?
Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?
Saturated fats have only single bonds between carbon atoms and are solid at room temperature, while unsaturated fats contain at least one double bond and are liquid at room temperature.
Give two examples of foods high in saturated fats.
Butter and lard.
Give two examples of foods high in unsaturated fats.
Olive oil and salmon.
What is the difference between monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats?
Monounsaturated fats contain a single double bond, while polyunsaturated fats contain more than one double bond.
Why are unsaturated fats referred to as ‘good fats’?
They are associated with reducing the risk of heart disease by improving the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fats in the diet.
What type of fish is a better source of fats, oily or non-oily?
Oily fish, such as salmon and tuna, are better sources of fats than non-oily fish like cod and haddock.
