Module 7 Flashcards
What are triglycerides?
- main dietary lipids
- contains a glycerol backbone with three fatty acids attached to it
Are all fatty acids the same?
No, fatty acids can differ in length, degree of saturation and geometric organization
What are saturated fatty acids?
does not contain any double bonds
What are unsaturated fatty acids?
one or more double bonds
monounsaturated fatty acids - one double bond
polyunsaturated fatty acids - more then one double bond
What are essential fatty acids?
polyunsaturated fatty acids with a double bond before the 9th position
body cannot make itself
What are the two essential fatty acids?
omega 3 and omega 6
What is alpha-linolenic acid?
- omega 3 fatty acids
- can be used to synthesize other omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA
- found in chia and flax seeds
What is linoleic acid?
- omega 6 fatty acids
- can be used to synthesize another omega 6 fatty acid arachidonic acid
- found in soybeans, corn and vegetable oil
What are eicosanoids?
hormone like molecules that are synthesized from omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
What properties do omega 3 fatty acids have?
anti-inflammatory
What properties do omega 6 fatty acids have?
pro-inflammatory
What are the different lengths of fatty acids?
long chain - 14 or more carbon atoms
medium chain - 6-12 carbon atoms
short chain - 2-4 carbon atoms
most fatty acids we consume have 18-22 carbon atoms
What food is categorized in long chain?
animal products, some plant
What food is categorized in medium chain?
tropical oils
What food is categorized in small chain?
bacteria when they ferment indigestible carbs
What is the cis configuration of a fatty acid?
hydrogen are on the same side of the double bond
What is the trans configuration of a fatty acid?
hydrogens are on the opposite of the double bond
What is hydrogenation?
converting cis fatty acids into trans fatty acids
What is the purpose of hydrogenation?
trans fatty acids are more stable therefore have a longer shelf life
but they increase risk of CVD
What are Sterols?
- ring formation made up of a hydrocarbon chain
- can be consumed from both plant and animal
All lipids are what?
hydrophobic
What are some roles of sterols?
cell membrane structure, hormone formation
What is the most common animal-derived sterols?
cholesterol
What is cholesterol?
cell membrane structure, precursor for vitamin D, estrogen and testosterone
Is cholesterol an essential nutrient?
No because liver and other body structures can synthesize cholesterol
What foods are plant-derived sterols found in?
vegetable oils, buts, seeds, fruits