Fats

Question 1

What are fats

Answer 1

A macronutrient (lipid) made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
- fatty acids and glycerol
- can be saturated or unsaturated

Question 2

Saturated fats

Answer 2

• each C atom is combined with 2 hydrogen atoms
• solid at room temp
• mainly found in animal foods
• too much can lead to high blood cholesterol which leads to increased risk of CHD

Question 3

Monounsaturated fats

Answer 3

• 1 pair of C atoms with only 1 hydrogen atom attached
• usually soft or liquid at room temp
• found in animal and veg fats
• healthier and lower blood cholesterol

Question 4

Polyunsaturated fats

Answer 4

• have 2 or more pairs of C atoms which are capable of taking up more H atoms
• soft or oily at room temp
• don’t go hard in a fridge

Question 5

EFAs

Answer 5

Essential fatty acids
- cannot be made by the body
- omega 3: found in oily fish, seeds, green leafy veg -> helps protect the heart
- omega 6: veg, fruits, grain, chicken, seeds -> helps lower cholesterol in the blood

Question 6

Trans fatty acids

Answer 6

• produced when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil (hydrogenation) -> used to make solid fats from oil
• bad for health

Question 7

Functions of fat

Answer 7

• energy
• form part of cell structure
• stored under sink to insulate the body
• protect vital organs
• source of the fat-soluble vitamins ADEK
• promotes a feeling of satiety

Question 8

Too much fat

Answer 8

• obesity
• CHD
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• strokes

Question 9

Visible vs invisible fats

Answer 9

Visible: fat in meat or butter
Invisible: form part of food and can’t be seen like in chocolate