What is fat?

There are three classes of nutrients; proteins, carbohydrates and fat, which is also known as lipid. Fat’s function is to provide energy for the body, and pound per pound it contains more energy in the form of calories than protein and carbohydrate. The three types of fat are triglycerides, cholesterol and phospholipids.

Fat calories are mostly stored in triglycerides. Fat does not just serve as an energy provider but fulfils other bodily functions - cholesterol and phospholipids are components of cell membranes and sheaths surrounding nerve cells, and cholesterol is also vital for the production of hormones (sex and adrenal hormones) as well as bile acids.

What are fatty acids?

Fatty acids are chains of carbon atoms linked by chemical bonds, with a methyl group at one end and a carboxyl group at the other. A methyl group is a cluster of carbon and hydrogen atoms, while a carboxyl group consists of carbon and hydrogen plus oxygen atoms. The chains come in different lengths, with short chain fatty acids having less than six carbons and long ones having 12 or more There are either single or double chemical bonds keeping the chain together – single bonds have more hydrogen molecules around them. These bonds determine whether a fatty acid is saturated or unsaturated.

Fatty acids provide energy to organs including the heart as well as muscles – they are also building blocks for cell membranes, and energy storage for the body. Fatty acids are converted into triglycerides if not used up as energy – these are molecules comprising three fatty acids with a glycerol compound ‘backbone’. They are stored in the body as adipose fat tissue.

What are saturated fatty acids?

Saturated fatty acids only have single chemical bonds, and fats containing them are known as saturated fats. These occur in high quantities in lard, butter, whole milk, cream, eggs, red meat, chocolate and solid shortenings. Too much saturated fat in your diet can raise cholesterol in the blood, as well as increasing the risk of coronary artery disease.

What are monounsaturated fatty acids?

Where saturated fatty acids have a single bond, monounsaturated fatty acids have a double bond. Monounsaturated fats are found in avocados, nuts and oils including olive, peanut and canola oil. It is believed by scientists that consuming a lot of monounsaturated fats helps to lower LDL cholesterol – ‘bad’ cholesterol – and lower the risk of coronary heart disease. This is especially the case when these fats are used in place of saturated fats and refined sugars.

What are polyunsaturated fatty acids?

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are distinguished by the fact that they have more than one double bond. You can find polyunsaturated fats in high quantities in vegetable oils, corn, soy and sunflower.

What are essential fatty acids?

Polyunsaturated fatty acids which the body cannot produce on its own but that it needs for metabolic function are known as essential fatty acids. It is necessary to eat foods containing essential fatty acids to maintain metabolic function.

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