Sign up for our newsletter

Fats

Fats are a group of compounds that are specifically referred to as insoluble in water.

They also can be called “lipids“, “oils” and others. May fats can be found as solids or liquids at room temperature.

Example of Animal Fats

–  Butter
–  Fish oil
–  Lard

Examples of Plant Fats

–  Sunflower
–  Peanuts
–  Coconuts
–  Vegetable oils
–  Sesame

Categories of Fats

1.)  Saturated Fats
2.)  Unsaturated Fats

Chemical Structure of Fats:

A fatty acid chain of carbons and hydrogen atoms added to a carboxylic acid on one end and glycerol [most of the time] on the other. The property of a fat molecule depends on the number of fatty acids

Each fatty acid contains a different number of carbons and/or hydrogens. Fatty acid chains may contain a double bond – this causes an unsaturated fat rather than a saturated fat

1.)  Monounsaturated fatty acid has 1 double bond

2.)  Polysunsaturated fatty acid has more than 1 double bond

Arrangement of the Double Bond

– Occurs in 2 seperate arrangements

1.)  Trans fat – isomer with parts of the chain on the opposite side of a double bond

2.)  Cis-isomer – isomer where both pars are on the same side of the double bond

Trans fats are commercially produced and are not found in nature.

Trans fats and saturated fats can increase the risk of coronary coronary heart disease

Importance of Fats

–  Are an important dietary requirement
–  To help maintain skin, hair, nails, insulation of body, body temperature control, and other cellular structures
–  Is an important source of energy
–  Protects body organs

Adipose Tissue

–  It is a type of tissue in animals that allows for storage of fat
–  The goal is for tissue to be stored for a time of need
–  Regulation occurs through enzyme control
Types:

1.)  Visceral fat
2.)  Subcutaneous fat