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Lipids are one component of the three macronutrients. In fact, lipids are fats that play various important roles in the body. They are organic compounds, insoluble in water, made up of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen.¹ They are high in energy, yielding around 9 calories per gram.

They perform various essential functions within the human body:²

1. They are structural components of a cell’s membrane.
2. They serve as energy stores.
3. They operate as signaling molecules.

Oils, avocado, waxes, and certain vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are all examples of lipids.

Lipids are mainly categorized into 4 different types:¹

1. Hydrolysable and Non-hydrolysable Lipids that include neutral fats, waxes, phospholipids and glycolipids. 
2. Fatty acids have long chain carboxylic acids (typically 16 or more carbon atoms) which may or may not contain carbon-carbon double bonds.
3. Waxes/Fats and Oils:
   Fats are a class of triglycerides that appear as solid or semi-solid at room temperature. They are mainly present in animals.
   Oils on the other hand, are triglycerides that appear as a liquid at room temperature. They are mainly present in plants and sometimes in fish.
4. Mono/Poly Unsaturated and Saturated: have one or more double bonds.

Unsaturated fats are an important part of a healthy diet. Among other health benefits, these fats help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels. They also support brain and visual development at early stages in life. There are two main types of unsaturated fats:³

Polyunsaturated fats:

1. Omega-3 fats found in fish, especially oily fish.
2. Omega-6 fats found in some oils and some nuts.

Monounsaturated fats:

1. Found in olive and canola oil, avocados and some nuts, such as cashews and almonds.

Dr. Nayla Sfeir

Pediatrician

1. ^{https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/What-are-Lipids.aspx}
2. ^{https://med.libretexts.org/Courses/American_Public_University/APU%3A_Basic_Foundation_of_Nutrition_for_Sports_Performance_(Byerley)/06%3A_Lipids_Basics_-_Another_Energy_Source_for_the_Athlete/6.02%3A_What_Are_Lipids%3F}
3. ^{https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/fat-salt-sugars-and-alcohol/fat#:~:text=Unsaturated%20fats%20are%20an%20important,saturated%20fats%20in%20the%20diet.}