Lipids and Fats: The Organic Energy Storage System

Lipids are organic molecules that include fats, oils, and waxes.
They’re made mostly of carbon and hydrogen, making them energy-rich.
Fats store more than twice the energy per gram compared to carbohydrates.
Triglycerides, the most common fats, are built from glycerol and three fatty acids.
Saturated fats have no double bonds, while unsaturated fats have one or more.
Phospholipids form cell membranes, keeping life’s chemistry organized and protected.
Steroids, a type of lipid, include hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
Lipids are hydrophobic, meaning they don’t dissolve in water.
Brown fat helps generate heat, while white fat mainly stores energy.
Beyond energy, lipids insulate, cushion organs, and act as chemical messengers.