Lipids

Introduction

Lipid is an important component for storing energy in the human body for future use. Four major types of lipids are found which are fat and oil, waxes, phospholipids and steroids. This macro biomolecule is soluble in nonpolar solvents. These nonpolar solvents are acetone, chloroform, benzene. The cell membranes are also made of this lipid. A glycerol backbone, two tails of fatty acid and a phosphate group altogether make the typical structure. One of the most important steroids that are found in the body is cholesterol which is produced in the liver. The four fat-soluble vitamins are- Vitamin A, D, E, K. Lipids transport these vitamins and also assist in the absorption of these in the small intestine. 

Types of lipids in the body

Each of the lipids has different significance and lipids are essential for the human body as it contributes to the satiety and palatability of the diet. Along with that, the lipid is the factory for storing the energy for further use. Apart from being a chemical messenger, the lipid also acts as a structural component for the membrane of the cell.  In this section, the discussion would be made on the three types of primary lipids as Phospholipids, triglycerides and sterols. 

Phospholipids

Phospholipid contributes to making the layer of human and animal cells and the layer helps to protect the delicacy of the cells by creating a protective layer around it. For both the internal and external stimulations, it takes part actively by creating immediate signals. The fat is able to transport throughout the bloodstream because of the presence of phospholipids.Blood cells and vessels are not the exception and hence, clotting the blood is common and the potential risk of heart attack and stroke increases. 

Sterols

The primary sterol in the human body is Cholesterol and bile production is assisted by this in the liver. Apart from that, the production of sex hormones is aided by this cholesterol. The making of vitamin D is also dependent upon cholesterol. Bile salt is responsible for working on fat so that it can be easily absorbed in the body and helps to maintain a healthy body. Reporting of the cell would occur if there is no presence of cholesterol. There are mainly two types of protein that carry the cholesterol through the bloodstream- One is high-density lipoprotein and the other is low-density lipoprotein. HDL is considered to be good cholesterol whereas LDL is considered to be bad cholesterol. 

Triglycerides

These types of lipids have mainly come with two different segments. One is saturated lipid and the other is unsaturated lipid. Omega fatty acids are the important nutrients that come from triglycerides. They reduce the risk of sudden death and the risk of blood clotting. reducing the risks of blood clotting means the blood can transport through blood vessels and arteries without any prevention. Tuna, salmon are some of the excellent sources of triglycerides. Along with that, nuts, leafy vegetables are some good sources.

Benefits of lipids in the body

 Lipids take essential parts to store the body fat and to make the protective layer in the cell. Along with these aspects, there are many external uses as well.

• It helps to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E and K.
• For enhancing the immune system, vItamin A is essential. On the other hand, it takes a responsible part for the visionary system and the reproductive system
• Vitamin D is responsible for enhancing teh capacity of the bones
• Vitamin E helps to prevent clots in the blood. Due to the unstable molecules, diseases can happen and this vitamin helps to prevent these factors.
• Bone health is maintained by the assistance of vitamin K. The natural healing process of the body is enhanced with the help of this vitamin.

Lipid profile

As the routine of annual physical examination, lipid profile test needs to be done for evaluating the quality of the health. The level of cholesterol along with LDL, HDL and triglycerides are measured in the lipid profile. Evaluating the risk of cardiovascular diseases including the potential risks of strokes and heart attacks can be measured with the help of a lipid profile. 

Conclusion

In order to conclude the discussion of lipid, it can be stated that lipid is essential for the formation of the cell membrane and producing the sex hormones along with assisting the vitamins. However, the lipid profile needs to be checked yearly for measuring the quality and assessing the risks. However, there is a rare auto-immune disorder in which the protein molecules of the lipids are attacked. Thereafter, the protective membrane of the cell membrane is damaged in that accordance.