Introduction

Lipids are generally the subject of biochemistry which is organic substances that are insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar solvents. Lipids are a large set of natural organic compounds. Lipids are soluble in chloroform, ether, benzene, and acetone.  Lipids differ in their structural diversity. Lipids are made up of hydrocarbon chains which include hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon atoms. Lipids are essential for the human body. Lipids can be found in fatty substances. 

Classification of lipids

Lipids can be classified based on their physical properties at room temperature on polarity levels, and importance in the human body. But the classification of lipids is done on their physical structure. Based on their physical structure they are classified into three segments.

• Simple lipids: Simple lipids consist of two types of structural components. They are:

Glyceryl ester is an ester of glycerol and fatty acids. These are mono and diglycerides. Cholesterol esters are esters of cholesterol and fatty acids. Wax is an ester of long-chain alcohol and fatty acids hence the esters of vitamin A and D. Long-chain dye with 12-22 carbon atoms in carbon chain or atomic ceramide of fatty acids with three hydroxyl bases such as sphingosine. Simple lipids are made up of oil, waxes, and fats. These simple lipids are generated from similar lipid substances such as fatty acids. Fatty acids are nothing but a long chain carboxylic acid which is insoluble in water. Carboxylic acids have more than 12 carbons in their structure. 

• Compound/Complex lipids/Heterolipids: Complex lipids consist of more than two types of structural components. Phospholipids are glycerol esters of fatty acids. Phosphoric acids and other compounds have nitrogen. Phosphatidic acid esterification of diacylglycerol to phosphoric acid. Phosphatidylcholine is a phosphatidic acid connected to choline known as lecithin. Phosphatidyl acylglycerol so that multiple glycerol molecules bind to phosphoric acid such as cardiolipin. Glycoglycerolipids, that is 1,2-diacylglycerol, are attached to carbohydrate mitochondria by a glycosidic link via position sn-3. Compound lipids are fatty acids that are esterified with alcohol. Additionally, they contain other groups. Relying on these additional groups, they are subdivided into two groups Phospholipids having phosphoric acid and non-phosphorylated lipids. 
• Derived lipids: Since hydrolysis is a component of simple and complex lipids they either occur as is or are released from another two major segments. Examples of derived lipids are alcohols, fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, sterols, and hydrocarbons.

Lipid profile

The lipid profile is also known as lipid panel. Lipid profile is referred to as a common blood test that is done by doctors and healthcare professionals for monitoring and screening for the possibility of cardiovascular disorder. Lipid profile is carried out through blood tests for screening of a particular fat molecule which is known as lipids. In most of the scenarios, four different types of cholesterol measurements and triglycerides have been performed for implementing lipid profiles. Accumulation of more lipids in blood can cause clots in blood vessels and arteries which further leads to damage to the heart and increases the rate of getting cardiovascular disorders. For this reason, healthcare professionals run lipid profiles for both children and adults to assess the risk of cardiovascular disorders such as stroke and other types of heart diseases. The common names for lipid profiles that are often used by healthcare providers are lipid panel, cholesterol panel, coronary risk panel, fasting, and non-fasting lipid profile.

What are lipids?

In biochemistry and general microbiology, lipids are defined as biomolecules or organic compounds which are insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar substances such as chloroform. Lipids are incorporated bio compounds that are made up of hydrocarbons and create structural designs that are essential for living cells. Lipids are insoluble in water because they are non-polar. Examples of lipids are waxes, a few types of hormones, oils, fats, and red meat. Lipids are made up of hydrocarbons in their lowest form which makes them an exceptional energy storehouse. When metabolized hydrocarbons are oxidized to emit extensive energy which is thus stored in these lipids.

Functions of lipids

Lipids work both in food and the body. Inside the body, lipids are used as an energy storehouse. Most of the energy needed by the human body is fulfilled by carbohydrates and lipids. 30-70% of energy requirement is satisfied by fat substances. Lipids are the part of the cell membrane structure that helps in maintaining cell liquidity and elasticity. The human body has two types of fats such as visceral and subcutaneous. Visceral fats protect important organs such as the kidney, liver, and heart.

Conclusion

Lipids are a large and extensive set of biomolecules that are essential for all living organisms. Lipids can be consumed through food and natural elements. Lipids are present in waxes, fat, oils, hormones, and red meats. A good lipid profile is important for the human body for proper functioning. Few lipids such as fatty acids and sterols are essential for living cells. Lipids are necessary for creating cellular structures, acts as an energy reservoir, and other functionalities of a living body. Lipid profiles are carried out in this regard for checking the lipid quantity in blood. Lipid profiles are measured through blood tests.