1.4.4

Lipids, Oils and Fats

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Lipids, Oils and Fats

Oils and fats are types of lipids. They are classed as triglycerides and are made from 3x fatty acids and glycerol.

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Lipids in the body

  • You need oils and fats in your diet to maintain a balanced diet.
  • Excess calories are stored in your blood within your fat cells.
  • Lipids are an important component when it comes to making cells.
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Triglycerides

  • Fats stored in your blood take the form of triglycerides.
  • Hormones release triglycerides when you need a slow release of energy.
  • If you eat foods that are very high in carbohydrates, you may start to store more triglycerides.
    • Storying too many extra triglycerides could lead to weight gain and obesity.
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Fats

  • Fat is an important part of a balanced diet and is needed in small amounts.
  • Fats are very high in energy.
  • Fats absorb fat-soluble vitamins
    • Vitamin A is helpful for the immune system,
    • Vitamin D is helpful for bones and teeth.
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Fats

  • Excess protein and carbohydrates are turned into fats in the body.
  • Fats such as butter and cheese are solid at room temperature.
  • Fat is important for insulation and protection around your organs.
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Saturated fats

  • Saturated fats are common in animal products like meat and dairy.
  • Saturated fat can increase the cholesterol in your blood.
    • Increased cholesterol can heighten the risk of heart disease and stroke.
  • UK government guidelines suggest that your diet should not include more than:
    • 30g of saturated fats if you are a man
    • 20 g of saturated fats if you are a women
    • Under 20g of saturated fats if you are a child
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Oils and unsaturated fats

  • Oils are liquid at room temperature.
  • Palm and coconut oils are rich in saturated fats.
  • Unsaturated fats are found in olive oil, vegetable oils, and fish.
    • Unsaturated fats can lower cholesterol levels.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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