Types of Lipids

Hormones, fats, oils, and waxes are examples of lipid molecules in the body. They are necessary for good health, but they can also cause sickness. A familiar example and type of lipids is cerumen, the medical word for earwax. It can help you see how lipids have a thick feel and why they don’t dissolve in water. These characteristics make the lipids you can’t see in the bloodstream such an issue. Cholesterol and triglycerides, in particular, can be dangerous to your heart health, whether they are naturally occurring or derived from the meals you eat. High levels have also been related to a higher risk of stroke, diabetes, and hypertension.

What exactly are lipids?

Although water is a polar molecule, such organic compounds were nonpolar molecules that are only soluble in nonpolar solvents but insoluble in water. These molecules are formed in the human liver, and they can be found in oil, butter, whole milk, cheese, fried foods, and some red meats.

What are the 3 classes of lipids and define them?

Lipids are divided into three categories.

• Phospholipids

• Sterols
• Triglycerides

Phospholipids

The outermost layer of cells for both animals and humans comprises phospholipids. They help preserve the cells by forming a protective coating surrounding them. Phospholipids are something that most people never have to worry about. Furthermore, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare autoimmune condition wherein proteins on these lipids are targeted. As a result, the protecting cell layers are destroyed. The term “sticky blood” is an excellent description of what occurs inside the body when these essential lipids go wrong.

Sterols

Sterols are a type of hormone that is a subset of steroids. Plant sterols (phytosterols), which are abundant in foods and provide health advantages, may be recognisable. They are pretty related to cholesterol, the principal sterol in humans. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are the two types of proteins that transport cholesterol through the bloodstream (LDL). HDL cholesterol is regarded as “good” because it absorbs cholesterol and returns it to the liver, while LDL cholesterol accumulates in the body.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides seem to be the fats and oils found in meals that you are aware of. At room temperature, this type of lipid could be saturated or unsaturated, part of what makes them solid and liquid. Omega fatty acids are vital elements found in a variety of meals. Tuna and salmon and various nuts, seeds, and green vegetables are excellent sources. Inflammation, blood pressure, and lipid levels are all reduced by these fats. They lower the risk of sudden death from just a heart attack or help to avoid blood clots. 

Role of Lipids in the Body

Lipids are produced or stored to support cells and aid in vital functions. Lipids have a broad spectrum of uses outside of the body. Lipids are involved in a variety of processes in your body, in addition to their involvement in cell protection.

Nervous system

Lipids are located in the myelin sheaths of the nervous system and therefore are essential to it. These fatty tissue sleeves protect your nerve cells while also increasing their impulse conduction.

Hormone production

Certain hormones, such as oestrogen, testosterone, or cortisol, were made up of lipids. These are necessary for controlling your immune system and metabolism and have a function in the development of sexual traits. They also aid in sodium and water balance, inflammatory control, or your body’s resilience and healing ability.

Other uses of lipids

Apart from all of the things lipids are used for in the body, they’re also used in sectors like skincare, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. 

Cosmetics and skincare

Lipids are used in the cosmetics industry to manufacture lotions and creams, among other skincare and aesthetic products. Lipids are added to makeup and skincare products for skin moisturisation, protection, and restoration and make skin appear smoother and much more bright.

Pharmaceuticals

Many medication products contain lipids, which pharmaceutical companies manufacture. Steroids (sterols), which are used to treat disorders including cancer and regulate hormones, are among the medications. Lipids are also used to improve the efficacy of some medications. They may extend the duration of the drug’s activity, boost drug absorption, or assist the drug target a particular area of the body.

Conclusion

A lipid is any of a number of chemical molecules that seem to be water-insoluble. Phospholipids, sterols, and triglycerides are the three main types of lipids. They each have a distinct function in the body. Phospholipids, sterols, and triglycerides are three forms of lipids required for various bodily processes. They have numerous health advantages. At the same time, if levels of these usually helpful lipids are not kept in check, triglycerides and cholesterol may pose health hazards. Foods can raise triglycerides and raise “bad” LDL cholesterol, leading to health problems. If you’re concerned about your lipid levels, speak with your doctor. The lipid panel tests will provide you with the knowledge you need to start making lifestyle adjustments, such as increasing your physical activity and improving your diet. Apart from all of the things lipids are used for in the body, they’re also used in sectors like skincare, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. I hope now you understand all about the types of lipids.