Resumo

HOYOS SERRANO, Maddelainne  e  ROSALES CALLE, Vicenta Valeria. Lípidos: Caracteristicas principales y su metabolismo. Rev. Act. Clin. Med [online]. 2014, vol.41, pp. 2142-2145. ISSN 2304-3768.

According to the last chemical definition, lipids are hydrophobic molecules that may originate entirely or in part by condensation of thioesters or isoprene units. These compounds have functions: energy contributors, structuring of the cell membrane protective organ, hormonal mediators, and others, so it becomes essential for life. In general the product of the metabolism of lipids contains: energy in the form of ATP, substances necessary for the body such as prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, etc., so that the consumption of them are essential. Therefore be taken into account for a balanced diet foods like butter, cheese, sausage, meat, corn oils, soybeans, flaxseed, olive oil, fish, etc., but only to 30% of total caloric intake because too much can cause skin disorders, water retention, fertility disorders and growth retardation.

Palavras-chave : Lipids; Saturated fatty acids; Essential fatty acids; Cholesterol.