Essential Fatty Acids For Health: Sources, Functions, And Importance

Essential Fatty Acids For Health: Sources, Functions, And Importance

Question 1. What are essential fatty acids? Name them.
Answer:

• The fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the body should be supplied with essential fatty acids.
• They are:

1. Linoleic acid
2. Linolenic acid
3. Arachidonic acid.

Question 2. Functions of lipids.
Answer:

• They are fuel reserves of the body as triacylglycerols.
• Form Constituents of membrane structure.
• Regulate membrane permeability.
• Precursor of fat-soluble vitamins.
• Acts as cellular metabolic regulators.
• Protects internal organs as an insulating medium.
• Give shape and smooth appearance to the body.

Question 3. What are lecithins? Mention their physiological importance.
Answer:

• Lecithins are the glycerophospholipids class of phospholipids.
• Present in the cell membrane.
• It is phosphatidic acid with choline as a base.
• Represent storage form of body’s choline.