Lipids and Nutrition Flashcards

These flashcards cover the key concepts of lipids, including their types, chemical structures, health impacts, and dietary recommendations as discussed in the lecture.

What are the three main types of lipids?

Triglycerides (fats + oils), Phospholipids, and Sterols.

How do fats and oils differ in their physical state at room temperature?

Fats are solid at room temperature, while oils are liquid.

What is the composition of a Triglyceride (TG)?

It is composed of a glycerol backbone and 3 fatty acids.

In fatty acid carbon numbering, what are the alpha and omega ends?

The alpha end is the Carboxyl end ($COOH$), and the omega end is the Methyl end ($CH_3$).

What characterizes a Saturated Fatty Acid (SFA) in terms of chemical bonds and structure?

It contains the maximum number of hydrogen atoms, has no double bonds, and has a straight chain structure.

Which vegetable oils are considered the richest sources of saturated fatty acids?

Tropical oils, specifically palm oil and coconut oil.

What is a common example of a Monounsaturated Fatty Acid (MUFA)?

Oleic Acid.

What are the two specific Essential Fatty Acids that must be obtained through the diet?

Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid) and Omega-3 (Linolenic Acid).

What is the physiological role of Linoleic Acid (Omega-6) as a precursor?

It is a precursor to arachidonic acid, which plays a role in immune response and inflammation regulation.

Into which two substances is Linolenic Acid (Omega-3) converted for brain and heart health?

EPA and DHA.

What is the purpose of the hydrogenation process in food production?

It adds hydrogen atoms to unsaturated fatty acids to convert liquid oils into a more solid form, increasing shelf-life and stability.

How do Trans Fatty Acids affect cholesterol levels in the body?

They increase LDL (bad cholesterol) and decrease HDL (good cholesterol).

How do Cis and Trans configurations of fatty acids differ structurally?

Cis configuration has a bent chain with H atoms on the same side, while Trans configuration has a straighter chain with H atoms on opposite sides.

What are three examples of Sterols mentioned in the notes?

Cholesterol, vitamin D, and sex hormones.

In which type of food products is dietary cholesterol exclusively found?

Animal products (plants do not contain cholesterol unless animal fat is added).

What is the structural difference between a triglyceride and a phospholipid?

Phospholipids have choline (or another compound) and a phosphorus-containing acid in place of one of the three fatty acids.

What is the function of an emulsifier?

It is a substance that mixes with both fat and water, keeping fat-soluble and water-soluble compounds together in an emulsion.

What percentage of the body's ongoing energy needs do fat cells provide during rest?

60%.

What is the specific energy density of lipids?

$9\,kcal/g$.

What is the AMDR for fat intake and the recommendation for saturated fat for the general population?

Fat should account for 20-35% of total calories, and saturated fat should be <10\% of total calories.

What is the recommended intake of fat for athletes according to the notes?

20-25% of total calories from fat.