Learn: Carbohydrates and Lipids in Diet and Health

Welcome!Great to see you back! You've already learned about the cardiovascular system and how diet plays a role in cardiovascular disease. Today, we'll explore how carbohydrates and lipids affect diet and health.

What are Carbohydrates?Carbohydrates are organic molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They provide a quick source of energy for the body. Simple carbohydrates (like glucose) are absorbed quickly, while complex carbohydrates (like starch) take longer to digest.

What are Lipids?Lipids are fats and oils made of glycerol and fatty acids. They are important for storing energy, insulating the body, and forming cell membranes. Saturated fats are solid at room temperature, while unsaturated fats are liquid.

Dietary Effects of Carbohydrates and LipidsCarbohydrates and lipids both provide energy, but too much of either can lead to health issues. Excess carbohydrates can cause weight gain, while too many saturated fats can increase cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular disease.

Energy and ATPCarbohydrates and lipids are broken down during respiration to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of cells. Lipids provide more energy per gram than carbohydrates but take longer to break down.

How Lipids Affect CholesterolSaturated fats can increase LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, known as 'bad cholesterol'. Unsaturated fats can increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which helps remove LDL from the bloodstream.

Review Time!You've learned about carbohydrates, lipids, their roles in diet, and their effects on health. Let's review everything with a few questions!