Why does body need lipids

Fat—specifically, cholesterol—makes these membranes possible. The fatty ends of membrane molecules veer away from the water inside and outside cells, while the non-fatty ends gravitate toward it.

The molecules spontaneously line up to form a semi-permeable membrane. The result: flexible protective barriers that, like bouncers at a club, only allow the appropriate molecules to cross into and out of cells.

Toggle navigation Toggle Search. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Highlight Header. Related Information Related Information. What Do Fats Do in the Body? By Stephanie Dutchen Posted December 15, It's common knowledge that too much cholesterol and other fats can lead to disease, and that a healthy diet involves watching how much fatty food we eat.

Looking to Insects for Insight into Fat Regulation These lipid droplets store fat in the cells of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. Courtesy: Estela Arrese. The plasma membrane is a perfect example of the rule that oil and water don't mix. Let us take this as an opportunity to learn more about lipids and how important they are for human health. Lipids include oils, fats and some steroids. They are a group of molecules built from fatty acids and are bonded to a variety of other compounds.

They are of immense importance to the biological world. They have important cell roles in human body. They are one of the four molecules of life but they have far more variations in their structure than nucleic acids, carbohydrates and proteins.

All lipids are insoluble in water. Since they are repelled by water, they are known as hydrophobic molecules. As mentioned earlier, lipids are vital for all forms of life on earth. They are one of the main molecules needed to maintain proper health of human body.

Out of all the important functions it performs, the most crucial one is building the cellular membrane. You wouldn't be able to digest and absorb food properly without lipids.

Of course, eating more fat than you need can lead to weight gain, but in proper amounts lipids are a healthy part of your diet. The primary role of lipids in your body is to provide energy for muscles and body processes. Fat is energy dense, containing 9 calories per gram, whereas protein and carbohydrate contain only 4 calories per gram. About half of the fuel your body needs when at rest or during everyday activity comes from lipids.

If you consume more calories than you need in a day, the excess energy is stored as lipids in adipose cells. In between meals and during exercise your body relies on these fats stores to provide energy. Lipids are also used to insulate and protect your body.

You have a layer of fat just below your skin that helps to keep your internal body temperature regular despite the external temperature. Your vital organs, such as the kidneys, have a layer of fat around them that acts like bubble wrap to protect them from injury.