Today is our topic of discussion About Fat
About Fat
Definition:
Fats or lipids are group of substances related to fatty acids and are insoluble in water but soluble in fat solvents.
Classification of fat:
1. Simple lipids – combination of fatty acid and alcohol forming esters is called simple lipid. Example neutral fats, oils, waxes etc. (Neutral fats and oils also called triglyceride)
2. Complex or compound lipids combination of fatty acid and alcohol along with other substances. Example phospholipids, lipoproteins etc.
3. Derived lipids – substances that are derived from hydrolysis of simple and compound lipids. Example -steroids.
Fat:
Fat are simple lipids that are solid in ordinary temperature. They can be deposited in the peripheral tissues.
Oil:
Simple lipids that is liquid in ordinary temperature. Oils usually are not deposited in the peripheral tissues.
Waxes:
Waxes are fatty acid esters of higher alcohols. They occur widely in the cuticle of leaves fruit and in the secretions of insects.
Sources of lipids:
They occur widely in plants and animals. Example: fats, oils, waxes and related compounds.
Available fats or oils in our everyday life:
1. Olive oil
2. Soyabean oil
3. Sunflower oil
4. Coconut oil
5. Mustard oil
6. Peanut oil
7. Palm oil
Olive oil:
- Always in liquid state.
- Best for human consumption. Do not deposit in peripheral tissues.
- It is costly, so regular domestic use is not possible.
Soyabean oil:
- It is also always in liquid state.
- Better for human consumption. Do not deposit in peripheral tissues.
- It is not so costly, so regular domestic use is possible.
Coconut oil:
It becomes solidify in low environmental temperature.
Palm oil:
It may solidify in environmental temperarture.
Essential Fatty Acid (EFA):
These are a group of long chain fatty acids essential for growth is known as essential fatty acids. Physiologically the most important EFA is the arachidonic acid which is formed in the tissues from linoleic acid, the main dietary source. EFAs are numerous in the storage fats of plants than of animals; most vegetable oils are therefore good dietary sources.
A EFAS are the predominant fatty acids in the phospholipids and cholesterol esters that are the main component of cell membranes and intracellular organelles such as mitochondria. They are called essential because they are not produced within the body, so must be supplied in the diet.
Importance of lipid:
1. Lipids are the most concentrated source of energy.) gam 01 nime (U1 21) gm 01
2. They provide essential fatty acid.
3. Lipids act as reserved food materials.
4. Lipids in the form of lipoprotein are structural component of the cell membrane.
5. Lipids act as a thermal insulator in the subcutaneous tissue..ivatod
6. Lipids protect the internal organs, such as perirenal fat around kidneys.
7. Cholesterol is the precursor of steroid hormones.
Requirement of fat:
About 30 percent of our daily calorie should come from fat source.
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