Fuel for My Body - Lipids

Fuel for My Body - Lipids

Lipids, as understood in simple words – fats and oils, are water insoluble and an extremely essential nutrient, after proteins and carbohydrates. They form the main constituent of the structure of plant and animal cells. They comprise of Cholesterol and Triglycerides, fatty acids, neutral fats, waxes and steroids like cortisone. Compound lipids comprises of lipoproteins, glycolipids and phospholipids.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are extremely essential for biological processes like synthesis of signalling molecules, including the ones that regulate inflammation and mood. Omega-3, precisely reduces the risk of sudden heart attack, decreases triglycerides in the blood, lowers BP, and prevents formation of blood clots.

Human body stores lipids easily. They are the fuels for the living cells to give them energy to function appropriately.

Why is Lipids Vital for Human Body?

Lipids:

• Provide efficient way to store energy over longer periods of time
• Provide insulation, make up cell membrane and form the building blocks for hormones like testosterone
• Contribute to the unique composition of synaptic complexes and myelin
• Participate in multiple signalling pathways involving
• Absorb fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K.

Excessive Lipids

Lipids can produce twice as much as energy as carbohydrates. But excess of lipid consumption can lead to storage of fats in the cell membranes and the walls of the arteries causing a condition called atherosclerosis (deposit of cholesterol in the walls of arteries). It also causes unnecessary weight gain and obesity which has other health impacts including cardio-vascular diseases, cancer, type 2 diabetes and inflammation.

3 main dietary lipids should be monitored and regulated – saturated fatty acids, trans-fats and cholesterol as their excess presence is adverse for health. Having a balanced diet with green vegetables and fruits and regular exercise is recommended for everyone. Having too much of fried items, oil based food or fast food can lead to ill effects on the heart and human body.

What is Lipid Profile?

It is blood test to identify the lipid levels in your body and comprises of the following:

Lipid Panel	Required Level	Remarks
Total Cholesterol	less than 200 mg/dL Lower levels are better	It measures cholesterol in all lipoprotein particles
High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C)	more than 40 to 60 mg/dL Higher levels are better	Known as the “Good” cholesterol because it carries the excess cholesterol to the liver for removal
Low Density Lipoprotein	70 to 130 mg/dL	Called the “Bad” cholesterol
Cholesterol (LDL-C)	Lower levels are better	because it deposits the cholesterol in the walls of the blood vessels
Triglycerides	10 to 150 mg/dL Lower levels are better	Bad if one intakes fatty foods and do not burn them adequately
Very Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (VLDL-C)	2 to 30 mg/dL	It is a bad cholesterol for it contains the highest triglycerides and deposits on the arteries’ walls
Non HDL-C	<130mg/dL Lower levels are better	Advanced lipid profile tests. Higher levels increases the risk of heart disease
Low Density Lipoprotein Particle Number (LDL-P)	Ideally <1000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why is Lipid Profile Test Needed?

This test is necessary to know the cholesterol levels and triglycerides in adults and children resulting from oil based and fatty foods in the diet and inadequate exercise, and also in constant Dyslipidaemia symptoms. Doctors are also recommend this test in diabetes, high BP and heart disease to monitor lipids and mitigate the impact of these diseases.

How Frequently Should I go for Lipids Test?

Yearly check-up is recommended for everyone to assess the risk of CVD and monitor the unhealthy lipid levels in the body because we are adopting unhealthy lifestyle at an exponential rate. There should be a fasting of 10-12 hours before the blood sample is drawn.