TYPES OF LIPIDS - Simple Lipids
Simple Lipids: These are esters of fatty acids and are linked with various alcohols. These are of following types:
Fats and Oils:
- These are esters of fatty acids and glycerol.
- Fat is solid at room temperature.
- Glycerol is an organic compound (alcohol) with three carbons, five hydrogens, and three hydroxyl (OH) groups.
- In a fat molecule, the fatty acids are attached to each of the three carbons of the glycerol molecule with an ester bond through an oxygen atom.
- Fats are also called triacylglycerols or triglycerides because of their chemical structure.
- When fats are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, they are called oils.
- They are liquid at room temperature.
- If there is one double bond in the molecule, then it is known as monounsaturated fat (e.g., olive oil).
- If there is more than one double bond, then it is known as a polyunsaturated fat (e.g., canola oil).
- Triglycerides are abundant and constitute about 98 per cent of all dietary lipids.
- Oils are recommended by physicians owing to their unsaturated nature.
- Many vitamins are fat-soluble, and fats serve as a long-term storage form of fatty acids: a source of energy.
- They also provide insulation for the body.
Unsaturated fats are oils that are liquid at room temperature and are recommended by physicians for consumption.
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