Those macronutrients that are, for the most part, compounds of fatty acids.
There are 3 main types of lipids: triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids.
They play several essential roles:
- energetic, as one of the 4 energy-yielding nutrients but above all as energy reserves
- functional, regulating hormones (e.g. leptin), transmitting nerve impulses (especially in the brain), transporting nutrients like fat-soluble vitamins
- structural, insulating and protecting organs
Some foods high in fats: fatty meat, vegetable oils, oily fish, eggs, full-fat dairy, nuts & seeds, but also pastries and deep-fried foods.
A distinction can be made between healthy fats, saturated fats and trans fats.
Synonyms:
lipids