What are fats?

Fat usually refers to a mixture of any ester or fatty acids. This consists of triglycerides which act as the main components among vegetable oils, and fatty tissues in animals as well. Fat is one which is insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar solvents. Fat is one of the main macronutrients which is essential in the human diet.

Types of Fats

There are four main types of fats:

• Monounsaturated Fats: These are so-called ‘healthy fats ‘which helps to maintain good cholesterol level. Eg: – Almonds, peanut butter, hazelnuts, etc. 
• Polyunsaturated Fats: This is also a healthy fat whose consumption maintains our body with proper cholesterol levels. They supply omega 3 and 6. Eg: -Sunflower oil, walnuts, pine nuts, etc. 
• Saturated Fats: These are ‘non-healthy fats’ that increase the bad cholesterol level in our body. Eg: -Cream, ice cream, butter, burgers, etc. 
• Trans Fats: These are ‘non-healthy fats’ that increase the bad cholesterol level in our body and in-take has to be limited. Eg:-Cakes, fried foods, pastries, biscuits, etc.

Lipids in simple words are nothing but fatty compounds which involves in performing a few functions in the body. They are part of the cell membrane and have the power to control what to let in and out of the cell. Fats biologically are compounds that are insoluble in water and help proteins in their function. They are also known as triglycerides (One molecule of glycerol and three fatty acids).