E5 Macronutrients: fat, protein, carbs Flashcards
(67 cards)
state the energy values (in kcal/g) of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and alcohol
carbohydrate: 4
protein: 4
fat: 9
alcohol: 7
what are macronutrients?
- they provide energy
- things needed in the diet in large amounts
describe how much energy is given from carbohydrates and fat and if they are stored
- carbohydrates are short term
- carbohydrates are not stored very much
- 60% of energy is from carbohydrates
- fat is stored and then used when needed
describe lipids in terms of solubility
insoluble or poorly soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents
functions of lipids in the body
- fuel and energy store
- insulation
- protection
- membrane structures
- intra / intercellular signalling
- substrate for hormone and prostaglandin synthesis
- supply of essential nutrients
functions of lipids in foods
- improve flavour perception of foods
- add texture to foods
- improve palatability
describe the function of lipids: insulation
- layer of fat underneath skin
- if this layer of fat is lost due to undernutrition, you may have problems with keeping warm
given an example of how lipids act as protection in the body
fat around kidneys
give an example of how lipids act as substrates for hormone and prostaglandin synthesis
cholesterol
describe the structure of the majority of dietary fats
- 90% of dietary fats are triacylglycerols (triglycerides)
- triglycerides are made up of glycerol and 3 fatty acids
in the image, what is shown in red and white?
- whole structure = triglyceride
- red = glycerol backbone
- white = fatty acids
what are the 3 classifications for fatty acid chains?
saturated
monounsaturated
polyunsaturated
what is meant by a saturated fatty acid chain?
- no double bonds
- all single bonds in the fatty acid carbon chain
what is meant by a monounsaturated fatty acid chain?
1 double bond in the fatty acid carbon chain
what is meant by a polyunsaturated fatty acid chain?
more than 1 double bond in the fatty acid carbon chain
describe oils at room temperature and explain
- liquid
- more unsaturated fatty acids that cause kinks in fatty acid carbon chain
- fatty acids cannot pack together as much so the substance exists as a liquid
describe the difference in fatty acid chains in fats and oils
- oils have more unsaturated chains and therefore more kinks and a lower melting point (exist as liquids)
- fats have less double bonds in their fatty acid carbon chains so there are stronger intermolecular forces between molecules and a higher melting point (exist as solids)
describe the sources of fats and oils
fats: mostly from animals
oils: mostly from fish or plants
compare and contrast vegetable oil and fish oil in terms of their fatty acids
vegetable oil
- high in polyunsaturated fatty acids
- low in saturated fatty acids
- in most vegetable oils, the omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid predominate
fish oil
- high in polyunsaturated fatty acids
- low in saturated fatty acids
- omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids predominate
what is meant by omega-6 and omega-3 in fatty acid classifications?
omega-6 (n-6)
- 1st double bond is 6 carbons from methyl terminal
omega-3 (n-3)
- 1st double bond is 3 carbons from methyl terminal
function of phospholipids
structural lipids in membranes
functions of sterols
- fluidity of membranes
- precursor to bile salts
- precursor to steroid hormones
where are sterols found? where can similar molecules be found?
- sterols only found in animal fats
- plants have phytosterols
structure and function of phytosterols. give an example
- similar structure to cholesterol
- inhibit cholesterol uptake
- eg. benecol