Many times, we are stopped from eating junk food because they contain something called bad fats or bad cholesterol. Have you ever heard of these? And if lipids and fats are mentioned together, then what is the difference between the two? If yes, then has brought answers for you.
To lead a healthy lifestyle, we tend to eat foods with less fat. In reality, fats are just an essential part of the diet that makes up for a very important nutrient in the body to maintain good health. Lipids, on the other hand, are organic compounds that form the framework of the structure and function of the living cells. Fats play a vital role in metabolic and chemical functions in the body but they are different from lipids in chemical and physical aspects.
Difference Between Lipids and Fats in Tabulated Form
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Lipids |
Fats |
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Lipids are a broader group of biomolecules found in the body of organisms. |
Fats are the type of lipids necessary for a healthy body. |
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Lipids are soluble in organic solvents but are insoluble in water. |
Fats are oily substances insoluble in water and sparingly soluble in substances like alcohol. |
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Lipids can be solid or liquid. |
Fats are only solids. |
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Lipids are organic compounds that form the framework of the structure and function of the living cells. |
Fats are energy reserves of the body. |
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Lipids are either simple or complex and classified into groups – steroids, triglycerides, phospholipids. |
Fats are classified into two groups namely- saturated fats and unsaturated fats. |
Lipids
Lipids are nonpolar organic compounds that are soluble in non-polar solvents and insoluble in water. They are a wide group of macromolecules that form the structural and functional framework of the living cells. Lipids are synthesized in the liver and are often sourced from whole milk, butter, oils, fried food, and found in some red meats. Lipids constitute the cell membrane which is an important biological barrier that protects the inner cell from the outer surroundings. They are polymers of fatty acids with a nonpolar hydrocarbon chain and a small polar oxygen group.
Types of Lipids
Lipids are classified as triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids.
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Triglycerides: They are the largest group of lipids, also known as natural fats. They can be either unsaturated or saturated thus, they can be either liquid or solid at room temperature respectively.
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Phospholipids: They contain a phosphoric acid residue in addition to the fatty acid and alcohol groups. They form the outermost layer of cells in humans and animals.
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Steroids: They are present as hormones and carbohydrates in the body and are hydrophobic molecules.
Butter, vegetable oil, cheese, cholesterol, and other steroids, waxes, phospholipids, fat-soluble vitamins, etc are some examples of lipids.
Fats
Fats are types of lipids present in the body in adipose tissues, found under the skin and surrounding the organs in the body. They are oily substances with a high saturation rate. Due to high saturation, they are solids only unlike lipids which can be solids or liquids. They are essential for the proper functioning of the body and are obtained from our daily diet. They play a major role in controlling inflammation, blood coagulation and brain development in humans and many animals. They are energy reserves of the body. Also, they help the body to absorb and transport a few vitamins through the bloodstream.
Types of Fats
Fats are classified as saturated fats, trans fats, and unsaturated fats.
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Saturated Fats: They increase good cholesterol levels in the body and are hence good for health. But in excess, they can negatively increase cholesterol. 10% of daily calories from saturated fat is considered a healthy diet. They are solid at room temperature therefore, they are also known as solid fats. They are usually found in milk, cheese, poultry, tropical oils, etc.
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Unsaturated Fats: They are found in all processed food and naturally in beef, lamb, milk, cheese, cream, butter, etc. They are liquid at room temperature. Monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fats are their further types.
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Monounsaturated Fats: They are found in nuts and vegetable oils. Their consumption can reduce bad cholesterol.
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Polyunsaturated Fats: They are mainly found in vegetable oils. They can also lower bad cholesterol if consumed as an alternative to saturated fat.
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Trans Fats: They are produced on the Hydrogenations of unsaturated fats. They can increase cholesterol thus, should be consumed within the limit. They are found in processed food, snacks, etc.
Conclusion
Completing the topic of Difference Between Lipids and Fats has equipped you with all the needed content for answering questions that may be asked in the exams. This topic is also essential for biochemistry as well. Questions from this section have appeared in NEET and JEE exams as well. gives significance to this topic therefore, it has provided you with this write-up.
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