lipids and proteins

• Lipids are organic substances that serve as the storage form of energy and are important dietary components
• Lipids regulate hormones
• There are four major dietary fats in food: Saturated fats, Transfats, Monounsaturated fats, and Polyunsaturated fats
• Saturated fats are unhealthy fats, often solid at room temperature, found in foods like butter, palm and coconut oils, cheese, and red meat
• Transfats are the worst for health, made when liquid oils are turned into solid fats like shortening or margarine
• Monounsaturated fats are found in plant foods like nuts, avocados, and vegetable oils, considered healthy fats
• Polyunsaturated fats are found in plant and animal foods like salmon, vegetable oils, and some nuts and seeds
• Sources of lipids include:

  • Saturated Fat: Best in Moderation
  • Unsaturated Fat: Best for Health
  • Trans Fat: Best to Avoid
• Lipids could add hydrophobic characteristics to the tooth surface, reducing caries susceptibility and mineral loss in case of acid exposure
• Obesity can result from excess dietary fat intake, leading to having too much body fat
• Atherosclerosis is a degenerative disease that hardens large and medium arteries
• Periodontal Disease can be related to lipids, with bacterial lipids penetrating gingival tissues, treated with flap surgery and good oral hygiene practices
• Proteins are made up of amino acids and are essential for repairing muscle and bones, immune response, and hormone and enzyme production
• There are nonessential, essential, and conditionally essential amino acids
• Nonessential amino acids are produced by the body and not taken as food supplements
• Essential amino acids must come from food as the body cannot produce them
• Conditionally essential amino acids are usually not essential, except in times of illness and stress
• Sources of proteins include plant-based and animal-based proteins
• Proteins, especially animal protein, contain phosphorus that improves the strength of teeth and the jaw
• Phenylketonuria is a disease where the liver cannot metabolize phenylalanine into tyrosine, leading to systemic issues
• Protein-energy malnutrition can lead to conditions like Marasmus, most common in children in impoverished nations
• Halitosis is an oral health problem related to proteins, treated with toothpaste, mouthwash, and oral spray, and prevented with good oral hygiene practices