MEANING OF LIPIDS
> a lipid is a biomolecule that is soluble in nonpolar solvent
> Non-polar solvents are typically hydrocarbons used to dissolve other naturally occurring
hydrocarbon lipid molecules that do not (or do not easily) dissolve in water, including fatty
acids, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and
K), monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
> The functions of lipids include storing energy, signaling, and acting as structural components
of cell membranes.[4][5] Lipids have applications in the cosmetic and food industries as well as
in nanotechnology.[6]
> Lipids, also known as fats, play many important roles in your body, from
providing energy to producing hormones. You wouldn't be able to digest and
absorb food properly without lipids.
> Lipids are fat-like substances found within the blood stream. There are several
different types of lipids, but the most commonly known is cholesterol.
So, what are lipids for? This depends on the kind of lipid you’re talking about. Lipids
have a wide variety of different uses in the body, including cell wall structure and fat
storage. Needless to say, the body needs a certain amount of them in order to function.
TYPES OF LIPIDS
That said, we also need to check our lipids sometimes. The types of lipid that we need
to be especially aware of are:
LDL-cholesterol , also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol , transports cholesterol from
the liver to be deposited in the blood vessels – so too much of it is a risk factor
for heart disease*.
HDL-cholesterol , also known as ‘good’ cholesterol, as it helps to transport
cholesterol from the blood vessels to the liver to be disposed of safely.
Triglycerides , i.e. fats which enter the body from our food. These are a form of
energy storage for burning later.
WHAT LIPIDS IS USED FOR IN OUR BODY
> Energy Production and Storage
The primary role of lipids in your body is to provide energy for muscles and body processes. Fat is
energy dense, containing 9 calories per gram, whereas protein and carbohydrate contain only 4
calories per gram. About half of the fuel your body needs when at rest or during everyday activity
comes from lipids. If you consume more calories than you need in a day, the excess energy is stored
as lipids in adipose cells. In between meals and during exercise your body relies on these fats stores
to provide energy.
> Insulation and Protection
Lipids are also used to insulate and protect your body. You have a layer of fat just below your skin
that helps to keep your internal body temperature regular despite the external temperature. Your vital
organs, such as the kidneys, have a layer of fat around them that acts like bubble wrap to protect
them from injury. Without this lipid layer, every bump and bruise could hurt your organs.
> Digestion and Absorption
Lipids in your body are essential for proper digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. Bile acids
produced from lipids in your liver allow fat and water to mix in your intestines and aid in the
breakdown and absorption of food. Lipids are then needed to transport the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D,
E and K, from your intestines to your blood stream. Your cells use these vitamins to maintain the
health of your vision, skin, bones, teeth and blood, according The National Institutes of Health.
> Cell Wall Structure
The essential lipids, linolenic acid and linoleic acid, are vital to your health; they cannot be made in
your body and must come from your diet. They are used in the production of cell membranes and
hormones, as well for maintaining vision and supporting the immune system. These lipids provide
structure and support for the walls of every cell in your body. Communication between cells is also
dependent upon lipids in your cells' membranes.
> Hormone Production
Cholesterol is a type of lipid needed to produce important steroid hormones in your body.
Estrogen, testosterone, progesterone and the active form of vitamin D are all formed from
cholesterol and are needed to maintain pregnancy, develop sex characteristics and regulate
calcium levels in your body. According to the American Heart Association, about 25
percent of the cholesterol in your blood comes from your diet, from animal foods such as
egg yolks, cheese and shrimp, and the other 75 percent is formed in your liver and cells.
IMPORTANT ROLE OF LIPIDS IN OUR BODY
Lipids (e.g. lipoprotein) play an important role in the structure of cells especially
in the cell membranes and nerve tissues.
Some vitamins are soluble in lipids and they can only be digested in solved form.
Energy is durably stored in lipids and is used when no carbohydrates are available.
Thanks to lipids the body can resist the cold.
They also protect us against mechanical blows.
THE POSSIBLE EFFECT OF HAVING AN EXCESSIVE LIPIDS IN OUR BODY
> Cardiovascular Complications
Too much lipid consumption can lead to an array of cardiovascular
complications. Saturated fat is especially harmful as it can cause high blood
cholesterol, leading to arterial hardening, heart disease and stroke, according
to MedlinePlus. The American Heart Association, or AHA, says that saturated
fat is the main dietary cause of high cholesterol and is abundant in fatty
meats, butter, cream, milk and other dairy items. Minimizing your intake of
these foods can significantly reduce cholesterol levels.
> Obesity
A diet abundant in lipids can lead to obesity, according to “Food Factors for
Health Promotion.” Accompanying metabolism abnormalities also are due to
daily excess fat intake. Unlike packing on a few extra pounds, obesity is
having way too much body fat that can wreak havoc on the body. Even losing
5 percent to 10 percent of your weight can inhibit the onset of certain
diseases, according to MedlinePlus.
> Increased Risk of Disease
A high fat diet also increases your risk of diseases like arthritis, some cancers
and diabetes, MedlinePlus warns. If you’re obese, you are at a higher risk of
type 2 diabetes, which usually accompanies high cholesterol and triglyceride
levels, according to MayoClinic.com. Trans fat that comes in the form of
partially hydrogenated oils, also lipids, is particularly damaging to your body. It
increases low-density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol, while lowering high-
density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol.
> Recommended Fat Guidelines
The AHA recommends a fat intake of 25 percent to 35 percent of your total
calories each day, with only 7 percent coming from saturated fat. Since fat is
an important component of a healthy diet, eating “good” varieties like
monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat is ideal in moderation. Although
these compounds are “good,” they are still fats that can lead to weight gain
and associated lipid conditions.
THE BAD AND GOOD FAT IIN OUR BODY
Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called “lipoproteins.” Two types
of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout the body:
LDL (low-density lipoprotein), sometimes called
“bad” cholesterol, makes up most of your body’s cholesterol. High levels
of LDL cholesterol raise your risk for heart disease and stroke.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or “good” cholesterol, absorbs
cholesterol and carries it back to the liver. The liver then flushes it from the
body. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk for heart disease
and stroke.
WHERE ARE LIPIDS STORE IN OUR BODY
> Lipids such as cholesterol, cholesteryl esters and triglycerides are stored in
yourbody primarily in specialized fat cells called adipocytes, which comprise a specialized fatty
tissue called adipose tissue. Stored lipids can be derived from thelipids in your diet or
from lipids that your body synthesizes
LIPIDS FACTS
Wax is a lipid, and is used I a variety of everyday products such as candles,
chewing gum, and even nail polish.
While consuming fat is important for health, the type of fat is important. Too
much fat in the diet is not good for human health in the same way that too little
fat is not good for human health.
It is believed that consuming too many saturated fats in the diet can lead to
increased cancer risk. This means that it is best to avoid saturated fat and
choose foods that contain unsaturated fat instead, such as nuts, some
vegetables, and some fish.
Fat helps the body absorb certain vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Saturated fats will remain solid at room temperature while unsaturated fats will
remain liquid.
When there is a lipid imbalance in the body the result can be high cholesterol,
which is believed to be associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk.
Lipids are also believed to play a role in a variety of diseases including
inflammatory diseases, various cancers, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, and
rheumatoid arthritis.
The main categories of lipids include fatty acids, glycerolipids,
glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, sterol lipids, prenol lipids, saccharolipids,
and polyketides.
Science has shown that lipid signaling is vital for cell signaling, which means
they play an important role in cell communication.
Some studies tried to show a link between dietary fat and increased obesity
risk, but they were not successful in proving their theory. It has been
concluded that the total amount of dietary fat in one's diet is not associated
with either weight issues or disease risk.
An emulsion test can be done to determine lipid presence. This test is
considered wet chemistry, in which the sample is dissolved in alcohol, and
then decanted into water. Once diluted the lipids, which are not water
soluble, provides a white emulsion.
When the body contains too many lipids, from trans fats and monosaturated
fats, this can lead to hardening of the arteries, which is harmful to human
health and can lead to cardiovascular issues.
