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Simplified Explanation of Lipid Terms for Athletes

Lipids: Fats and oils that are important for your energy and body functions.

Triglycerides (TG): The main type of fat in your body that stores energy.

Phospholipids: Fats that help your body absorb and move nutrients. Think of them as helpers in getting fats where they need to go.

Sterols: A kind of fat with a special shape; cholesterol is the most well-known one, and your body needs it to function properly.

Fatty Acids: The building blocks of fats. They come in two main types:

• Saturated: Fats that are solid at room temperature, like butter.

• Unsaturated: Fats that are often liquid, like olive oil. They can be further broken down into:

  • Monounsaturated: One double bond (found in avocados).

  • Polyunsaturated: Multiple double bonds (found in fish).

Hydrogenation: A process that adds hydrogen to unsaturated fats to make them last longer. This can create unhealthy fats called trans fats.

Trans Fats: Unhealthy fats that can raise your bad cholesterol and lead to heart problems. They are often found in processed foods like baked snacks and margarine.

Lipid Digestion: The process where your body breaks down fats in food, beginning in the small intestine with bile (which helps to mix fats with water) and enzymes that cut fats into smaller pieces for absorption.

Lipoproteins: Teams that help transport fats and cholesterol in your blood, including:

• Chylomicrons: Carry fats from your intestine to your body.

• VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoproteins): Transport triglycerides.

• LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins): Often called "bad" cholesterol that can cause heart problems if levels are too high.

• HDL (High-Density Lipoproteins): The "good" cholesterol that helps remove cholesterol from your blood.

Essential Fatty Acids: Fats your body can't make but needs to function well, like linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) acids, which help regulate body processes like inflammation and blood pressure.

Health Implications of Lipids: Eating too many saturated and trans fats can raise bad cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. It’s better to focus on unprocessed fats and manage your overall diet for better heart health.