Module 5: Lipids Flashcards
what is the scientific term for fats
lipids
define lipids
substances that are soluble in organic solvents (ether, acetone, chloroform)
what are the 3 major categories of lipids
- triglycerides
- phospholipids
- sterols
what elements compose lipids
- carbon
- hydrogen
- oxygen
what is the different between the composition of lipids and carbohydrates
- lipids have twice as many hydrogens
- lipids cannot be polymerized; they can only make up to triglycerides
define fatty acid
chain of carbons linked together
what are the two groups on the ends of a fatty acid
- carboxyl group (COOH)
- methyl group (CH3)
describe the methyl group on a fatty acid
- hydrophobic
- tail end
describe the carboxyl group on a fatty acid
- hydrophilic
- head end
what types of lipids are composed of fatty acids
- phospholipids
- triglycerides
describe saturated fatty acids
- carbon chain is fully occupied by hydrogen atoms
- no double bonds
- solid at room temperature
describe unsaturated fatty acids
- fatty acids with one or more double bonds
- monounsaturated or polyunsaturated
- liquid at room temperature
what are examples of sources of saturated fats
- animal proteins
- red meat, dairy, lard, bacon fat
why are saturated fats considered bad
large amounts cause metabolic stress and dysregulation
define essential fatty acids
- cannot be made by the body
- must be obtained through diet
what are the two essential fatty acids
- omega 6
- omega 3
what is the parent omega 6 fatty acid
linoleic acid
what is the parent omega 3 fatty acid
linolenic acid (aka: alpha LA, ALA)
what are the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids
- improves insulin sensitivity
- needed for brain function
- cellular repair after damage
- beta oxidation (fat burning)
- blocking inflammation
- prevents heart disease and blood clot formation
describe what the omega 6 fatty acid arachidonic acid does
can go down the COX metabolic pathway that produces inflammation in tissues
which type of essential fatty acid do we typically not get enough of
omega 6
what is the actual ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 that we consume vs the ideal
- actual: 10:1
- ideal: 4:1
what types of omega 3 fatty acids can be made from ALA
- EPA
- DHA
what is the more bio functional form of omega 3 fatty acids
DHA