Lecture 11 Flashcards
What are the 4 key functions of fat in the body?
- Major energy store and fuel source
- Required for transporting fat soluble vitamins
- Provide essential fatty acids
- Important for insulating and protecting the body
Give examples of two essential fatty acids. What is their function?
Linoleic and alpha-linoleic acid
Important for cell membrane and nervous system
What is the most common type of lipid found in the body and in food?
Triglycerides
Where are long-chain fatty acids primarily found?
Meat, fish, vegetable oils
Where are medium and short chain fatty acids found?
Dairy products
What aspect of fatty acids influences the characteristics of foods and the health of the body?
Short or long
Saturated or unsaturated
Location of double bond
What is the state of different fat types at room temperature?
Saturated fats: solid and more resistant to oxidation
Polyunsaturated fats: liquid
Shorter fatty acid chains: softer than long chains
Compare the likelihood of spoilage of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat.
Monounsaturated: Slightly less susceptible to spoilage
Polyunsaturated: Spoils most readily
What are the effects of hydrogenation of unsaturated fats?
- Protects against oxidation, therefore prolonging shelf life
- Alters texture
- Acts more like saturated fat
What is the structure of sterols?
Multiple rings
Give an example of a well-known sterol
Cholesterol
What kind of food are sterols found in?
Both animal and plant foods
In what kind of food is cholesterol found in?
Animal foods only - meat, eggs, fish, poultry, dairy
What can plant sterols interfere with?
Cholesterol absorption
Give examples of plant-based sterols
Logicol and Flora Proactiv
What percentage of cholesterol is made in the liver? What is the rest obtained from?
We make about 80% of cholesterol in our liver and 20% is obtained by diet.
What is cholesterol material for?
Bile acids and hormones
What is endogenous and exogenous cholesterol?
Endogenous: made in liver
Exogenous: obtained by diet