Lipids

• Example of lipids are fats and oils
• They contain the elements C, H, O but a smaller portion of O than in carbohydrates
• The building blocks of lipids are fatty acids and glycerol
• Most lipids are triglycerides (one glycerol molecule attached to three fatty acid molecules)
• The way C and H atoms are bonded determines whether a fat is saturated or unsaturated
• Low density lipids carry cholesterol from the liver to the tissue which is why they are also referred to as 'bad' lipids
• High density lipids collect cholesterol from the tissues and bring it back to the liver which is why they're also referred to as 'good' lipids
• The main uses for lipids are: energy storage, insulation, and structural components
• Foods rich in lipids include dairy foods and olives