Lipid

we :LIPID

An organic compound composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which is an ester of various fatty acids and alcohols and is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, is called a lipid.

Fatty acids :-

fatty acids is a type of organic acid. fatty acids are of two type -: 1. saturated fatty acids   2. unsaturated fatty acids.

1. Saturated fatty acids :- when  the carbon atoms of a fatty acid are linked to each other only by single bonds, it is called saturated fatty acid. it does not contain any double or triple bonds.         example – palmitic acid, stearic acid, myristic acid, etc.
2. Unsaturated fatty acid :- on the other hand, fatty acids which have one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms are called unsaturated fatty acids.                                                            example – oleic acid, linoleic acid, etc.

• Essential fatty acid :-

Unsaturated fatty acids which are not synthesized in our body, but are vary necessary for our nutrition are called essential fatty acids.                                                                                                                                           example – linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, etc.

Function :-

1. Energy production and reduction of water demand :  about 22-25% of the total energy requirement of the human body is obtained from lipid- like food. its oxidation produce so much metabolic  water that the desire to drink water decreases. the complete oxidation of 1 gram of fat produces 9.3 kcal of heat energy.
2. Membrane structure : phospholipids participate in the formation of the membrane of nerve cells and lipoproteins participate in the formation of the membrane.
3. Organ structure : glycolipids are used in the formation of the white matter of the brain and the myelin sheath or nerve cells. sulfo-lipids are used in the formation of the liver, kidneys, and testicles.
4. Stored food and heat preservation : the fat located under the skin of the body is stored as food for the future and this layer of fat preserves body heat.
5. Vitamin absorption : acts as a solvent for vitamin A, D, E and K helps in their absorption from the intestines.
6. Hormone synthesis : steroid lipids are used in the synthesis of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Sources :-

We get lipids from two types of foods –   1. animal source      2. vegetable source

1. Animal source : we get lipids are found in large quantities in animal foods.                                               Good amount of fat are found Beef, mutton, and chicken.                                                             Lipid is also found in fish, especially marine fish such as tuna, salmon, etc.                               In addition, good amounts of lipids are available from eggs, milk, and dairy products            such as butter, ghee, and cheese.
2.  Vegetable source : Lipids are available from many plant foods. Example – soybean oil, coconut oil, almonds, cashews, avocados etc.

DEFICIENCY

The body needs lipids along with adequate protein. various problems arise when there is not enough lipids.

• Energy deficiency : lipids are a source of energy. lipid deficiency makes the body weak and tired.
•  Dry skin : if it is deficiency, the skin becomes rough and dry.
• Vitamin deficiency : lipids absorb vitamin-A, vitamin-D, vitamin-E, vitamin-K, if not absorbed, vitamin deficiency can lead to various problems.
• hormonal disbalance : Helps produce many important hormones. lipids deficiency can lead to hormonal imbalance.
• Also, body temperature decreases and weight loss occurs.

How much lipid should you eat per day :-

A healthy normal human body should get 20% – 30% of its total daily calories from lipids.

What happens if you take too much ?

• Obesity : Eating too much can cause excess calories to accumulate in the body as fat, which can lead to weight gain.
• Heart disease risk : When the amount of fat in the blood increases, it accumulates in the arteries and cause problems with the heart.
• Risk of diabetes : Eating excess fat reduces the effectiveness of insulin in the body, increasing the risk of diabetes.
• Also high cholesterol, fatty liver, and  high blood pressure problems occur.