Lipids

Lipids are fatty compounds that perform a variety of functions in your body. Their monomers are glycerol and fatty acids. Lipids' molecules have evenly distributed electrons, meaning they are non-polar, making them insoluble in water.

Lipid structure

Lipids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. In some cases, it is also composed of phosphorous, nitrogen, and sulfur. Lipids are basically long chains of carbon bonded to other carbon and hydrogen. Lipids are (typically) made of a glycerol backbone, 2 fatty acid tails, and a phosphate group.

PS: The number of fatty acids usually differs depending on the type of lipid.

Lipid types

The four main types of lipids are triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids, and waxes.

Triglyceride Types

There are three main types of triglyceride. Saturated, Unsaturated, and Polyunsaturated fats. Saturated fats have no carbon-carbon double bonds, have the most amount of hydrogen, are composed of long, straight chains, and are solid at room temperature. 

Unsaturated fats have one double carbon-carbon bond, have fewer hydrogens, are composed of bent chains, and are liquid at room temperature. 

Polyunsaturated fats have more than one double carbon-carbon bond, have the least amounts of hydrogen, are composed of multiple bends, and are liquid at room temperature.

• PS: Trans fats are unsaturated fats that have hydrogen added to them to make them more solid. Trans fats are considered the worst type of fat to eat.

Lipids' properties

Having so many carbon-hydrogen bonds stuck together in a chain makes lipids excellent for storing energy. Lipids are some of the primary components of the cell membrane, making them an important factor in cell protection. Lipids also play a part in making hormones, Lipids also store unused calories and provide your body with energy. Lipids are also excellent thermal insulators, and waterproof coverings, and carry fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin K.

How should you include lipids in your diet?

Lipids are important in the diet as energy sources and as sources of essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. They are also thermal insulators and provide protection to our bodies. This is why it is important to understand how much lipids you should include in your diet.

Your diet should be composed of around 25-35 percent lipids.