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Tag: Lipids

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

What Type of Amino Acid is Linoleic Acid?

3 min read
A 2022 review published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights that linoleic acid is, in fact, not an amino acid at all, but an essential omega-6 fatty acid. This clarification is crucial for understanding its role in nutrition, as fatty acids and amino acids serve very different functions in the human body.

Is a Fatty Acid a Lipid? Understanding the Relationship

3 min read
In biochemistry, the relationship between molecules can be confusing, but the connection between fatty acids and lipids is quite clear. A fatty acid is a component of a lipid, but a lipid is not always made entirely of fatty acids. The simplest way to understand this is to know that lipids are a diverse and broad category of molecules, and fatty acids are one of the primary building blocks that create many of them.

The Primary Function of Sterols in the Body

4 min read
Sterols are a class of lipids found in all eukaryotic cells, and they are critical for life. The primary function of sterols in the body is to maintain the structural integrity and fluidity of cell membranes. This fundamental role allows cells to function effectively while also providing the foundational building blocks for other vital biomolecules.

How are lipids obtained?

4 min read
Approximately 95 percent of all dietary fats are triglycerides, a major type of lipid, but your body doesn't rely on diet alone to get its lipids. The human body obtains lipids from two main sources: through the digestion of dietary fats and via internal synthesis within the body itself.

Is Stearic Acid a Fatty Acid? The Definitive Guide

4 min read
With the chemical formula C18H36O2, stearic acid is a naturally occurring, long-chain saturated fatty acid found in many animal and vegetable fats. This waxy, solid substance is an essential component of lipids and plays a significant role in various industries. This article will delve into the classification and function of stearic acid, distinguishing it from other fats and clarifying its common applications.

Which of the following is made of triglycerides?

5 min read
Approximately 95% of all dietary fats are in the form of triglycerides, making them one of the most common lipids in our food and bodies. So, which of the following is made of triglycerides? The correct answer is both fats and oils, which are primarily composed of these essential energy-storage molecules. This article explores the structure, function, and difference between fats and oils, and their role in human health.

What are the 5 functions of fat in the human body?

4 min read
While fats have often been demonized, they are one of the three essential macronutrients vital for human health. Understanding what are the 5 functions of fat reveals their critical roles in everything from energy provision to protecting vital organs and building cell structures.

Total Fat vs. Total Lipid: Understanding the Difference

6 min read
According to the National Institutes of Health, lipids are a diverse group of biomolecules that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. To put it simply, total lipid is a broad category of which total fat is a specific component, meaning that all fats are lipids but not all lipids are fats.

How Does Palmitate Affect Cholesterol and Heart Health?

4 min read
According to a study involving over 115,000 subjects, a higher intake of palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid, is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. This highlights why understanding how palmitate affects cholesterol is crucial for managing cardiovascular health.