Lipids: Categories, Biological Functions and Metabolism, Nutrition and Health

The main biological function of lipids include energy storage, as structural components of cell membranes, and as important signaling molecules. Lipids are a major source of energy in the body and supply essential lipid-soluble vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that are required in relatively high amounts during growth and life. Lipids affect the composition of membrane structures and modulate membrane functions as well as the functional development of the central nervous system. This book presents and discusses topical data on lipids including: the lipid composition of erythrocytes in cardiovascular and hepatobiliary disease; the correlation of dietary fat, fat composition and fatty acids on human nutrition; flax lipids; Vitamin E lipids with important antioxidant benefits; omega-3 fatty acids in neurochemistry; and others.