fats and lipids Flashcards
what components comprise lipids?
carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
describe the structure of triglycerides.
triglycerides are composed of a glycerol backbone with three fatty acids.
what other lipids are included in the family?
phospholipids: structural component of the cell membrane.
sterols: include cholesterol, bile acids and some hormones.
what is a saturated fat?
a saturated fat contains single bonds between the carbon, consumption of saturated fats in excess is unhealthy.
what is unsaturated fat?
unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds between the carbon molecules.
what are the functions of fats and lipids (provision of energy?)
triglycerides store energy, after consumption they are packaged by the liver into lipoproteins and transported through the blood.
when energy is needed, triglycerides are released for cells requiring energy. Adrenaline is a hormone that can mobilise triglycerides.
what are the functions of fats and lipids (absorption of fat soluble vitamins).
fats are carriers for fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E + K) and increase their absorption from the intestines into the body’s cells.
what are the functions of fats and lipids (insulation)?
there are two main types of fat cells; white and brown.
white fat cells store energy and brown fat cells are common in babies as it helps them to keep warm.
what are the functions of fats and lipids (cellular structure)?
phospholipids are a very important part of the cell membrane which is made of a double layer of phospholipids and functions as a semi-permeable barrier that controls the entry and exit of substances in and out of the cells.
what is cholesterol?
cholesterol is a type of sterol that is found in our body cells.
- structurally important to the cell membrane as it increases fluidity and hence improves efficient movement.
- precursor for the body to produce vitamin D.
- the average adult makes all the cholesterol the body needs in the liver, but we can also consume it through our diets in meats, fish, egg yolks and dairy products.
what is the recommended lipid dietary intake?
it is recommended that 20-35% of your daily kilojoules come from lipids - however only 10% should be from saturated fats.
what happens when the body is lipid deficient?
when the body is deficient in triglycerides it may begin using triglycerides stored in fatty tissues to provide energy, which can then result in weight loss.
lipid deficiency can also result in someone feeling cold as they have lost insulation.
what happens when the body has excess lipids?
- overconsumption of lipids can result in weight gain, obesity and in some cases cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
