The Functions of Fats in Foods (7)
Functions of Fat in the body (6)
Functions of Fat in the body: Energy stores
fats are the body’s chief form of stored energy
Functions of Fat in the body: Muscle fuel
Fats provide much of the energy to fuel muscular work
Functions of Fat in the body: Padding
Fat pads inside the body cavity protect the internal organs from shock
Functions of Fat in the body: Insulation
Fats insulate against temperature extremes by forming a fat layer under the skin
Functions of Fat in the body: Cell membranes
Fats from the major material of cell membranes
Functions of Fat in the body: Raw materials
Fats are converted to other compounds, such as hormones, bile, and vitamin D, as needed
Lipids: Organic compound meaning it contains…
Carbon
Lipids: Predominantly
triglycerides
Triglycerides
Tri = 3 fatty acids + glyceride = glycerol backbone
Fatty Acids: 2 main features
Hydrogenation
Adding hydrogen atoms to unsaturated fats
3 Types of fatty acids
TransFats
Trans fat vs cis fat
Trans fats are unsaturated fats with trans double bonds instead of cis bonds. The type of bond affects the shape of the fatty acid chain. A trans bond creates a straight chain, whereas a cis bond results in a chain that is bent. Trans fats may be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated.
Essential =
body requires but cannot make; must be consumed
Essential fatty Acids
Omega 6 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 6 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Linolenic Acid (alpha linolenic acid = plant) needs to be converted to EPA/DHA
- EPA = fish/algae
- DHA = fish/algae
Most Canadians do not get enough omega 3s
Phospholipids (another type of lipid)
Sterols (another type of lipid)
Fat Digestion and Absorption: Mouth and salivary glands
some hard fats begin to melt as they reach body temperature. The sublingual salivary gland in the base of the tongue secretes lingual lipase. The degree of hydrolysis by lingual lipase is slight for most fats but may be appreciable for milk fats
Fat Digestion and Absorption: Stomach
The stomach’s churning action mixes fat with water and acid. A gastric lipase accesses and hydrolyzes (only a very small amount of) fat