lipids
TRANSCRIPT
LipidsLucy Boult with Lorna Carman
What are Lipids?
Lipid is another word for fatty acids.
Natural oils, waxes and steroids are part of this group.
They make up an essential part of our diet.
Uses in the body:
- For energy
- To protect our structures and organs
- To insulate the body
Triglycerides
A Triglyceride is a type of lipid.
It is composed of one glycerol molecule joined to three fatty acid molecules.
These fatty acid molecules are either saturated or unsaturated.
They are usually found in the blood where they are temporally stored in fat cells until it is used by the body for energy.
Saturated and Unsaturated Fats
Saturated fatty acid molecules have all of the possible hydrogens bonded to them that they can.
Unsaturated fatty acid molecules are missing some hydrogens so they contain double bonds instead.
Cis and Trans bonds (Isomers)
Unsaturated fats will have either Cis or Trans bonds.
They are also referred to as isomers.
If the hydrogens are on different sides of the double bonds this is Trans.
If the hydrogens are on the same side of the double bond this is Cis.
Trans are bad for your health.
The structure of a lipid molecule is very important, as even a small difference like Cis and Trans bonds can effect our health very differently.
Hydrogenated Fat
Hydrogenated Fat is produced by an artificial process called hydrogenation, when hydrogen is used to make food harder (e.g. to set margarine).
This is bad for your health because the hydrogen causes the food to stick to your arteries.
These fats are widely used often without people realising.
What is Olestra?
Olestra is a fat-free substitute which passes through the body without being absorbed.
This is because it contains up to eight fatty acids.
It was first discovered in America by researchers Fred Mattson and Robert Volpenhein in 1968.
In 1996 it was approved for use in America as a food additive.
It was a huge hit until news of side effects (such as diarrhea and prohibiting the ability to absorb vitamins) spread and sales rapidly declined.
It is still for sale in America today but has never been approved for use in Canada and the European Union.
Conclusion on Lipids
Lipids come in many forms.
Some are good for us while others can be bad.
The structure of a lipid molecule has a huge impact on how it will effect our body.
Thank You for Listening