Function of Fats

1
Function of Fats

• Form part of cell membranes
• Hormones (i.e. testosterone)
• Store energy

2
Building block fatty acids
carboxyl group
chain of carbon and hydrogen atoms (hydrocarbon
chain)
3
Saturated fatty acids

• Packed with hydrogen atoms
• Line up and stick together solid
• Examples lard and butter
• Longer fatty acids more unhealthy
• Increase blood cholesterol ?

4
Unsaturated fatty acids

• One or more double bonds fewer hydrogens
• Kink prevents sticking liquid
• Examples canola and olive oil

5
Trans fatty acids

• Change liquid oil into solid (i.e. shortening)
  
• Formed by hydrogenation
• Improved shelf life and flavor stability
• Raise blood cholesterol ?

6
Omega-3 fatty acids

• Essential fatty acid acquired from food
• Sources salmon and flax
• Reduce heart disease ?

7
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
8
Formation of Fats
9
Triglycerides

• Form the flab on our bodies
• Contain a lot of energy or calories
• Linked to coronary artery disease

10
Cholesterol

• Component of membranes and hormones
• High levels risk for coronary artery disease
• Transported by lipoproteins

11
Lipoproteins

• Low density lipoprotein (LDL)
• Bad cholesterol
• High density lipoprotein (HDL)
• Good cholesterol

12
Real Life Example
March 2010 March 2011 August 2011
Category Standard Range Body Weight 207 lbs Body Weight 197 lbs Body Weight 175lbs
CHOLESTEROL, TOTAL 110-199 mg/dL 206 178 167
TRIGLYCERIDES lt 150 mg/dL 185 112 134
CHOL/HDL RATIO lt 4.51 5.57 5.74 4.07
LDL CHOLESTEROL lt 131 mg/dL 132 125 99
HDL CHOLESTEROL gt 40 mg/dL 37 31 41