Lipids, Oils & Fats
Science: KS3, topic 1.4.5
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 woman
- Under 20g of saturated fats if you are a child
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.
Test yourself on Lipids, Oils & Fats
Which of these foods contain unsaturated fats?
Why can eating a lot of saturated fat, such as meat and dairy, increase the risk of a stroke?
UK guidelines recommend a maximum of 30 g of saturated fat per day for men and 20 g for women. How do these two limits compare?