Lecture 5 Flashcards
What are the 3 classes of fats
- triglycerides
- phospholipids
- cholesterol and other sterols
Functions of triglycerides
- energy source
- physical and thermal insulator
- carrier of fat soluble vitamins
Functions of phospholipids
- cell membrane structure
- emulsifier (fat digestion and fat transport in blood)
Functions of cholesterol
- cell membrane structure
- pre-curser for: bile acids, steroid hormones, vitamin D
- sources: animals fats only, made in the liver from SFA
Poly-unsaturated fats
- lowers LDL cholesterol
- may slightly lower HDL cholesterol
- dietary sources: veggie oils, fish oils
What are the 2 essential fatty acids
- omega 6 (linoleic acid)
- omega 3 (linolenic acid)
Saturated fats
- can increase the risk of heart disease
- ex. butter, cakes, pastries, chocolate bars, coconut
Saturated Fatty Acids
- raise blood cholesterol
- solid at room temperature
- high in animal fats (coconut, palm, cocoa)
Monounsaturated fats
- considered “good” fats because they help decrease the risk of heart disease
- lower blood cholesterol (lower LDL but no effect on HDL)
- ex. olive oil, canola oil, margarine made with canola, peanuts, nuts
Trans fats
- made from hydrogenation
- acts like saturated fats in the body
- most found in commercially prepared foods
Natural occurring trans fats
-found in dairy and meat
What are the 2 types of naturally occurring trans fats?
- conjugated linoleic acid
- trans vaccenic acid
What does conjugated linoleic acid do?
-may reduce risk of cancer and heart disease
What does trans vaccenic acid do?
- may reduce risk of heart disease
- converted to conjugated linoleic acid in the body
What are the health concerns of trans fatty acids?
- risk of CHD
- increase LDL-C by decreasing LDL receptor activity