What are Lipids?

About Lipids:

• Lipids are fatty, waxy, or oily compounds that are essential to many body functions and serve as the building blocks for all living cells.
• Lipids help regulate hormones, transmit nerve impulses, cushion organs, and store energy in the form of body fat.
• They’re part of your cell membranes and help control what goes in and out of your cells.
• Lipids are mainly composed of hydrocarbons in their most reduced form, making them an excellent form of energy storage, as when metabolized, the hydrocarbons oxidize to release large amounts of energy.
• Lipids are not soluble in water as they are non-polar, but are thus soluble in non-polar solvents such as chloroform.
• The three main types of lipids are phospholipids, sterols (including the different types of cholesterol), and triglycerides (which account for over 95% of lipids in food).
• Lipids are found in higher quantities in fried foods, animal fats, and dairy products like cream, butter, and cheese.
• Though lipids are important to your health, consuming excessive amounts in food can lead to diseases like atherosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries"), hypertension (high blood pressure), and coronary artery disease.

Q1: What are hormones?

Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles and other tissues. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it. Hormones are essential for life and your health. Several glands, organs and tissues make and release hormones, many of which make up your endocrine system.

News: Metabolic flexibility to lipid during exercise is not associated with metabolic health outcomes in individuals without obesity