Fats Flashcards
What roles does Fat play in physiological functions?
Formation of virtually all cell membranes
Provides a means for storing energy
Provides primary fuel source at low levels of intensity
What are the four types of fats?
Saturated
Monounsaturated
Polyunsaturated
Trans fats
What are Fats?
They are broken doing into fatty acids when digested and each fat has a very specific chemical structure which dictates its role in the body
What is Triglycerides?
Three fatty acids, they are attached to a carbohydrate “backbone” called glycerol
What are Saturated fats?
Compromised of chains of carbon atoms that are packed or saturated with hydrogen
Do not react with heat, light or oxygen
What are the 4 important functions of Saturated Fat?
Enhancement of immune system function
Provides energy and structural integrity to cells
Enhances liver function and provides protection against alcohol
It is anti-microbial and anti-viral
What are Monounsaturated Fats?
Missing some hydrogen, as a result a double bond is formed in the carbon chain
Moderately reactive by heat, light and oxygen
What are Polyunsaturated Fats?
Contain two or more double bonds in their carbon chains
Highly reactive to heat, light or oxygen
What are Hydrogenation and Trans fats?
Occur in nature and when consumed in relatively small amounts, do not present any real problems for your health
What is Cholesterol?
A lipid molecule that effectively contains no calories and does not represent a source of energy despite being present in many foods
What are the important functions of Cholesterol?
A vital part of cell membranes
Essential in the production of steroid hormones
Necessary for the production of bile acid
Vital for the synthesis of vitamin D
What are the three Lipoproteins?
Very Low-density lipoproteins
Low density lipoproteins
High-density lipoproteins
What is Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs)?
Manufactured by the liver
Contain both triglycerides and cholesterol and are responsible for transporting triglycerides into adipose (fat) cells
What is low-density lipoproteins (LDLs)?
Formed from VLDs that have deposited their triglycerides payloads into the adipose cells
Transport cholesterol throughout the body to the cells where it is needed
What is High-density lipoproteins (HDLs)?
Synthesised by the liver
Mop up excess cholesterol from the tissues and blood and transport it back to the liver
