What are Lipids?

Lipids are a class of organic compounds that are fatty acids or their derivatives and are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Lipids Include fatty acids, oils & waxes, sterols, and triglycerides.

Quick Glance: Do I Eat Lipids?

Have you ever heard the word Lipid before? For most people lipid and fats go hand in hand. Actually, fat is a type of lipid. As defined by Dictionary.com, lipids are any of a large group of organic compounds that are oily to the touch and insoluble in water. Lipids include fatty acids, oils, waxes, sterols, and triglycerides. They are a source of stored energy and are a component of cell membranes. You will learn about the different types of lipids as well as how they are helpful in the body as well as food.

Explore: Lipids Are Old School

Lipids have their origin back to the early days. The original term comes from the Greek word Lipos which means animal fat or vegetable oil. It is interesting that they termed these products as lipids because that classification holds true today. Lipids are important to the body for energy production and storage. Lipids contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen similar to carbohydrates but they work differently in the body. Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is found in the body and in animal sources. Cell membranes are predominantly composed of lipids and cholesterol. Cell membranes provide stability to cells and control entry or release of chemicals into or from the cell.

You will learn a lot more about lipids in the video below.

As you can see from watching the video above there are several different classifications of lipids. Even though there several classifications, they play the same function in the body. But in food preparation, it is important to understand how each type of lipid works so you will know how it affects food and the final outcome.

Take a look at the presentation below. It will break down each type of lipid.

You should download this study guide first before viewing the presentation. Use the study guide to take notes during the presentation.

Types of Lipids

Benefits of Lipids

Not only are there different types of lipids - each one has specific benefits to our bodies.

Click on each type of lipid to learn more.

Lipids appear in two common states of matter, solid and liquid. As you can imagine that can change with a little bit of heat. Often, cooks and food manufacturers choose different lipids depending on their melting point. Triglycerides and other forms of lipids in a liquid form are commonly termed as oils. These same items in a solid state are usually termed a fat.

The chart below shows some common cooking oils and fats.

It will explain the amount of saturated fats in each as well as the smoke point. At the smoke point, the fat starts to degrade and can produce free radicals. Some research suggests that the degradation of fats can be harmful to some people depending on their current health status. That is why is it important to choose the correct fat for the type of cooking and recipe.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Oil in Food Prep

As mentioned earlier, food manufacturers and cooks have to be careful when choosing a lipid or fat in a recipe. They have to consider the cooking temperature, the type of product, the taste and the feel in the mouth for a consumer. Knowing the properties of the fats and the smoke point are very important.

See the advantages and disadvantages of the following fats and lipids in the presentation below.

Challenge

So do you think you understand lipids? Try the challenge below to test your knowledge.

Takeaway: Cut The Fat!

People are looking to cut fat wherever they can in recipes. Now, most people know that a little bit of healthy fat is good. But, what if you are wanting to eat grandma’s favorite cake every weekend? That might not be as healthy. So, can you substitute butter or oil in a recipe? Turns, out you can. It may not have the same taste or texture, but it will provide a healthier option.

Check out the following substitutions for butter or oil in recipes.

Avocado
Apple Sauce
Greek Yogurt
Nut Butter
Pumpkin Puree

If you have a favorite dessert, research how you can substitute butter or oil to create a healthier option.

IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS OR OPENSOURCE