Lipids

1. Lipids

2. What are Lipids? • Family of chemical compounds that are a main component in every living cell • Fats are a just a part • Fat carries a bad name ~ fats are a nutrient your body needs

3. Triglycerides • Make up the largest group • Include nearly all the foods you eat • Fuels the body and keeps it warm • Thin layer of fat under your skin is insulation • Protects organs from impact • Keeps skin glossy and healthy • Carries vitamins in the body • Fatty Acids ~ organic acids, form a chain • Essential Fatty Acids • Body can make all but 2 fatty fatty acids • Needed for normal growth and development • Must be obtained from vegs, grains, nuts, seeds & soybeans

4. Properties of Triglycerides • Supply twice the energy carbs do (9 kcal to 4) • Fats from animals are saturated ~ solid @ room temp • Fats from plants are unsaturated ~ liquid @ room temp • Coconut oil is the exception ~ saturated

5. Saturation affects melting….fats with a greater proportion of unsaturated fatty acids melt at lower temperatures • Why melts faster? Butter or Margarine?

6. Functions of fat in food • Most important use ~ to tenderize baked goods…cakes would crumble without the moistness…..pizza dough would be tough • Aeration ~ add air or gas to batters and doughs…baked goods rise due to the air trapped by fats • Emulsions ~ may be part or cause one to form….oils in mayonnaise • Fats carry flavor ~ olive oil is mild while bacon fat is smoky & salty

7. Triglycerides in the Diet • Fats become fats in your body • Some is essential…Americans eat too much • Low fat options • 56% are trying to limit fat intake • Helped by low fat foods, lean meats, skim milk, baked snack foods • Must also watch calorie consumption ~ low fat & fat free foods are often high in calories