Chapter no.

4
Lipids
What are lipids?
• Organic compounds.
• Contains C,H,O,N,P.
• Insoluble in water.
• Soluble in organic solvents(Ether, chloroform ,benzene etc).
• Classified into simple, compound and derived lipids.
• Simple lipids(fats, oils and waxes).
• Compound lipids(phospholipids, lipoproteins, glycolipids).
• Derived lipids(hydrocarbons,alcohol,fattyacids).
Fats and oils
• Simple lipids.
• Esters of fatty acid with glycerol.
• Fats are solid at room temperature.
• Oils are liquid at room temperature.
• Fats and oils consists of monoglycerides, diglycerides and
triglycerides.
• Mostly triglycerides present.
Functions of lipids
• Provide energy.(9 Kcal)
• Provide essential fatty acids.
• Carry fat-soluble vitamins.
• Provide color and flavor to the food.
• Lubricate food.
• Provide feeling of satisfaction.
• Provide fatty acids and cholesterol.
• Help in the formation of retina and CNS.
Functions of lipids
• Stored fat serves as energy reserves.
• Protect heart, kidney and viscera from injury.
• Maintain body temperature.
• Provide body shape.
Fatty acids
• Chain of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
• Fatty acids have acidic group(COOH).
• Classified on the basis of chain length, structure and nutritional
requirements.
Classification of fatty acids
Short chain fatty acids:
• 8 or less than 8 carbon atoms.
• Examples:
Acetic acid (C-2)
Butyric acid (C-3)
Caproic acid (C-6)
Caprylic acid(C-8)
Low melting point.
Easily digestible.
Long chain fatty acids
• 10 or more carbon atoms.
• Examples:
Capric acid (C-10)
Lauric acid (C-12)
Arachidonic acid(C-20)
• Melting point rises as chain length rises.
• Not easily digestible.
Saturated fatty acids
• No double bond.
• Higher melting point.
• Animals fats contains more saturated fatty acids plant and fish oils.
• Increase blood serum and cholesterol.
• Palmitic is mainly found in nature.
• Palm , palm kernel and coconut oil contains more saturated fatty
acids.
• Intake of saturated fatty acid provide 10% energy.
• Saturated fatty acids present in food:
• Arachidic acid (ground nut oil)
• Butyric acid(butter)
• Lauric acid(coconut oil)
Unsaturated fatty acids
• One or more double bond.
• Examples: No. of double bond No. of carbon
• Oleic acid (1) 18
• Linoleic acid (2) 18
• Linolenic acid (3) 18
• Arachidonic acid (4) 20
Unsaturated fatty acids
• Lower melting point.
• Plant and fish oil contains more polyunsaturated fatty acids.
• Oleic acid is mainly found in nature 30-65%.
• Monounsaturated fatty acids no effects on blood cholesterol.
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids lowers the blood cholesterol.