Lipids I-V Flashcards
What are lipids?
Organic substances that are relatively insoluble in water.
What are some physiological functions of the body?
Storage and the cell membrane throughout all cells of body.
Protect vital organs and are also major source of energy.
Fats are ____ at room temperature?
Solid
Oils are _____ at room temperature.
Liquid
Name the major lipid classes.
Fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, sterols.
When you break down a lipid you are going to get?
Fatty acids
What are triglycerides?
3 fatty acids combined
They are found in adipose tissue and food
What are phospholipids?
2 fatty acids plus one phosphate group
These comprise cell membranes.
What are sterols?
They are cholesterol (ring shaped lipid).
What is the backbone of a triglyceride?
Glycerol
We break down the triglycerides in our food to?
- Glycerol
2. Fatty acids
What are fatty acids used for?
Energy and storage
What are typical foods that elevate triglycerides?
Saturated fats, trans fats and sweetened foods (cereals, flavored yogurts, etc.)
What foods contain saturated fats?
Saturated fats are solid at room temp. They include animal fats, lard, butter, shortening. Also fried foods, whole milk dairy products, cheese, cream cheese, high-fat meats.
True or False. Saturated fat is not burned rapidly when consumed with low or no carbs.
False. Saturated fat will be burned rapidly when consumed with low or no carbs.
What foods contain trans fats?
Hydrogenated fats found in margarine, vegetable shortening, fried foods, fast foods and most commercial snack foods.
What is the definition of chain length when referring to fatty acids?
The number of carbons in a fatty acid’s backbone.
Short-chain fatty acids contain how many carbons?
<8 carbons
Medium-chain fatty acids contain how many carbons?
8-12 carbons
Long-chain fatty acids contain how many carbons?
> 12 carbons
What does the length of a fatty acid do?
It affects chemical properties such as boiling and melting points, solubility, or how easily they can be used in the body.
Short chain fatty acids are __________, and are _____.
Easier to absorb; oils
Long chain fatty acids are _______, transport and use , and are _____.
Harder to absorb; fats
Name two characteristics of saturated fatty acids.
- Straight molecules
- Solid at room temp
(Crisco, coconut oil)
Name two characteristics of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).
- Several bends in molecules
- Liquid at room temp
(vegetable oil)
Name two characteristics of monounsaturated fatty acids (MFSA).
- One bend in molecule
- Thick liquids or soft liquids at room temperature
(olive oil)
Saturated fatty acids are highly stable and therefore, they will?
Not go rancid at room temperature.
How do saturated fats serve critical roles in the human body?
- Make up 50% of cell membrane structure
- Enhance calcium absorption and immune function
- Aid in body’s synthesis of the essential fatty acids
- Provide a rich source of fat soluble vitamins
- Provide cholesterol
Where are polyunsaturated fatty acids found (in food)?
Grain products, soybeans, peanuts and fish oil
True or False. Polyunsaturated fats are liquid even when refrigerated.
True.
Polyunsaturated fats are not entirely stable and therefore they will?
Go rancid more easily, particularly when heated.
What can cause oxidization of polyunsaturated fats and can lead to free radical damage?
Small amounts of light, moisture, air or heat damage.
Where are monounsaturated fatty acids found (in food)?
Olive oil, flaxseed oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, corn oil and peanut oil.
What are the essential fatty acids?
- Omega 3 - Alpha Linolenic acid
2. Omega 6 - Linoleic acid
What benefits do Omega-3 fatty acids have?
They are anti-inflammatory, promote blood thinning, artery dilation, lower BP, and mood stabilization.
What foods contain omega-3 fatty acids?
Flax and fish oils, soy, canola, some animal fats
Why are omega-6 fatty acids unhealthy?
They cause inflammation, promotes blood clotting, artery constriction, higher BP, and mood swings.
What foods contain omega-6 fatty acids?
corn, safflower, soy, sunflower, peanut, animal/dairy/eggs
What is true about animals that are fed by “free-range” methods?
They have much higher levels of omega-3s because they eat lots of green leafy vegetables.
What are the major components of omega-3 fatty acids of alpha linolenic fatty acid?
EPA and DHA
What is linoleic acid converted to?
Converted to GLA (gamma linolenic acid) and then to arachadonic acid
