Chemistry of Life

FATS AND LIPIDSOrganic

Compounds

ROLE OF LIPIDSFat provides needed energy.  It

is difficult to eat the large amounts of food in a very low fat diet to get all the energy you need.

Fat is needed so your body can absorb the fat soluble vitamins A, S, E, K, and prevent deficiencies of these vitamins.

Provides back-up energy if blood sugar supplies run out (after 4-6 hours without food).

Provides insulation under the skin from the cold and the heat.

ROLE OF LIPIDS

Protects organs and bones from shock and provides support for organs.

Fat surrounds and insulates nerve fibers to help transmit nerve impulses.

ROLE OF LIPIDS

Fat is part of every cell membrane in the body.  It helps transport nutrients and metabolites across cell membranes.

Your body uses fat to make a variety of other building blocks needed for everything from hormones to immune function.  

ROLE OF LIPIDS

FATS AND LIPIDSGenerally, - FATS are extracted from animals - OILS are extracted from plantsHealth authorities recommend that

no more than 30% of our calories come from fat, and no more than 7-10% from saturated fats.

• Three types of lipids:– Simple fats also known as triglycerides– Phospholipids– Steroids

• Are the primary components of cell membranes.

• Function as storage of energy, membrane structure and some act as hormones (steroids).

• Consist of C, H, and O.• Are nonpolar and insoluble in water.

FATS AND LIPIDS

It is the main source of metabolic fuel of the body.

Lipids exist in many forms: - fatty acids - phosphoglycerides - sphingolipids - waxes - terpenes - steroids

FATS AND LIPIDS

Simple Lipids Called fats or triglycerides contain glycerol

and fatty acids; formed by dehydration synthesis.

Unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds in the fatty acids.

FATTY ACIDS Fatty acids maybe - saturated (BAD FATS) - unsaturated (REACTIVE FATS) Stored around vital organs (heart,

kidneys, and spleen), where it cushions and help to prevent injury to these organs.

MONOSATURATED FATSDARK GOLD TO GREEN, FLAVOURED OIL FROM PLANT PRODUCTS.

GOOD FOR YOU - try some olives - spread some peanut butter - snack on almonds - eat more avocados - cook with olive, sesame and canola oil

POLYUNSATURATED FATSLIGHT AND TRANSPARENT OIL FROM PLANT PRODUCTS AND FISH.

NOT-SO-BAD FOR YOU - snack on seeds - eat fish twice a week - try nuts, especially walnuts - use Omega-6 oils sparingly

SATURATED FATSFATS SOLID AT ROOM TEMPERATURE AND GENERALLY IN ANIMAL-BASED FOODS..

NOT-SO-GOOD FOR YOU - lose fat in poultry, go skinless - go easy on butter - choose lean meats and trim off visible

fat - drink skim milk - sample low-fat cheeses

TRANS FATHYDROGENATED FATS IN PROCESSED FOODS...

BAD FOR YOU - avoid deep-fried foods - read snack labels - cut back on crusts - count your cookies - pace yourself on pastries

These are important components of the plasma membrane

• Contain C, H, and O + P, N, or S.

• Membranes are made of phospholipids

PHOSPHOGLYCERIDES

PHOSPHOGLYCERIDESBest known phospogycerides: - LECITHIN- found in egg yolk,

liver, yeast, brain; act as emulsifying agent

- CEPHALIN- found in brain tissues

SPHINGOLIPIDSFound in the brain, lungs and

nerve tissues.Sphingomyelin- It helps maintain

the shape of the lungs of a fetus by reducing the water tension in the walls of the lung area.

WAXESUsed as lubricants, polishers, and

ointment.Serves as protection of some

leaves like of the gabi leaf

TERPENES Do not contain fatty acids but are

insoluble in water and soluble in organic solvents.

The aroma of some plants is due to terpenes.

Examples of terpenes: - chlorophyll - carotene - vitamins A, E and K - coenzyme Q

STERIODSExamples of steroids: - cholesterol - bile salts - sex hormones a. Androgen b. Estrogen

Cholesterol- harmful to the body because it cause heart diseases

STERIODS

Bile salts – is an emulsifier in the digestive system

- made in liver, stored in the gall bladder

STERIODS

Sex hormones- affect the growth & function of the reproductive organs & developed secondary sex characteristics

a. Androgen- commands the cell to create deep voice and facial hair in males

STERIODS

Sex hormonesb. Estrogen- directs the cells to develop breast in female,

widening of pelvis, high-pitch voice &

absence of beard. Also it stimulates the eggs to ripen.

STERIODS

What happens if we don't have enough fat?

Dry, scaly skin Hair loss Low body weight Cold intolerance Bruising Poor growth Lower resistance to infection Poor wound healing Loss of menstruation