Lipids (fats) Flashcards
Unsaturated fats
They improve blood cholesterol levels, ease inflammation, stabilize heart rhythms, and other beneficial roles
Where can we find unsaturated fats?
In foods from plants, such as vegetable oils, nuts and seeds
There are two types of “good” unsaturated fats, which are they?
Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats
Where are monounsaturated fats found?
In olive, peanut and canola oils, avocados, nuts and seeds
Where are polyunsaturated fats found?
In sunflower, corn, soybean and flaxseed oils, walnuts, flax seeds and fish
What is Omega 3?
Omega 3 are an important type of polyunsaturated fat. The body can’t make these, so they must come from food
Where can we find Omega 3?
In fish, flax seeds, walnuts, canola or soybean oil
Eating more polyunsaturated fats instead of saturated fat lowers what?
Heart disease risk
Saturated fats
One of the unhealthy fats. Mainly found in animal foods
Where can we find saturated fats?
In chicken, nuts, beef, cheese, butter, ice cream. But also in plant foods such as coconut and coconut oil
Are saturated fats healthier than unsaturated fats?
No, because if people replace saturated fat with refined carbohydrates lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol while also lowering the “good” HDL cholesterol and increases triglycerides. The net is as bad for the heart as eating too much saturated fat.
What are fats used for?
For energy storage and thermal insulation in the body
Each fat molecule is made up of
One molecule of glycerol and three fatty acids
