What are Lipids?

A lipid is an insoluble material in water but soluble in ether, alcohol, and chloroform.  Lipids act as a source of energy and are a necessary component of cell structure. Lipoproteins, glycolipids, and phospholipids are examples of compound lipids. Excess carbohydrates in the diet are converted to triglycerides in the endoplasmic reticulum, which involves the creation of fatty acids from acetyl-CoA in a procedure termed lipogenesis. Most of these functions are handled by a single multifunctional protein in mammals and fungi, whereas bacteria need numerous enzymes. 

Lipids examples

Fatty Acids

Fatty Acids are a type of fat. Long-chain carboxylic acids that may or may not include carbon-carbon double bonds are called fatty acids.   

Waxes/fats, and oils 

These are long-chain carboxylic acids and long-alcohol esters. Fat refers to a group of triglycerides. 

 lipids in your body?

Sterols, Phospholipids, and triglycerides are the three primary forms of lipids. They each have a distinct function in the body.

• Phospholipids

Knowing , lipids are essential. The outer layer of cells in both humans and animals comprises phospholipids. They help preserve the cells by forming a protective coat surrounding them. Phospholipids are something that most people never have to worry about. However, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare autoimmune condition where the protecting cell layers are destroyed.

People with lupus, particularly women, are more likely to develop this illness. Because APS destroys blood cells and arteries, it increases the risk of blood clots, which can cause a heart attack and strokes. APS can also cause difficulties during pregnancy.

• Sterols

Sterols are a kind of hormone that is a subset of steroids. Plant sterols (phytosterols), which are abundant in foods and provide health advantages, may be recognizable. They are pretty similar to cholesterol, the principal sterol in humans.

Cholesterol is metabolized in the liver and is involved in many critical bodily functions. They include the hormone production and vitamin D and the action of bile salts on fats to allow them to be absorbed by cells.

HDL and LDL are the two proteins that transport cholesterol through the bloodstream (LDL). HDL cholesterol is regarded as “good” because it absorbs the cholesterol and returns it to the liver, whereas LDL cholesterol builds up in the body. 

• Triglycerides

Triglycerides are the oils and fats found in your food. 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 of blood pressure, inflammation, and lipid levels are all reduced by these fats. They lower the risk of unexpected death from a cardiac arrest and help to avoid blood clots. Trans fats are artificially hydrogenated to give them a desirable texture in processed foods. There are types of  lipids in your body.

Role of Lipids in the Body

We have got to know   examples Of lipids, but they have a particular function in our body also. Lipids are produced or stored for supporting cells. Multiple metabolic routes in the body break down and produce lipids. Lipids’ major biological activities include energy storage, as they may be decomposed to provide significant quantities of energy. Lipids also serve as structural elements of cell membranes and as transmitters and signalling molecules throughout the body. 

Nervous System

Lipids are essential for your nervous system. The myelin sheaths contain lipids. These can protect the nerve cells while also increasing their impulse conduction.

• Absorption of vitamins

The organism can only use vitamins if lipids are present. Lipids aid in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. 

• Hormone Production

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

Conclusion

 Its surroundings, its functions in the human body, and the risk associated with a high level of lipids.The storage or breakdown of fats and the production of functional and structural lipids, such as those involved in the formation of cell membranes, are all part of lipid metabolism in cells. These fats are acquired from diet or produced by the liver in animals. We often hear the term lipids, but rarely do people have the basic idea of  lipids. Lipids have crucial functions in the human body, and significantly higher or lower levels can cause serious harm to the body. Lipids are involved in a variety of processes in your body, in addition to their involvement in cell protection. Keeping a check on your lipids with a lipid profile test from time to time is advisable.