Handbook of Lipids in Human Function and Health

Lipids are a diverse group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water. They include fat, oil, wax and hormones. Lipids serve many different functions in the human body such as helping in signal transduction, contributing to the structural integrity of cellular membranes, and regulating the energy metabolism. The process of lipid metabolism involves biosynthesis and lipid degradation. Biosynthesis is a metabolic process that involves the conversion of excess carbohydrate and protein into fatty acids and triglycerides. Beta-oxidation is a metabolic degradation process that is involved in the breakdown of fatty acid molecules in the mitochondria or in peroxisomes to generate acetyl-CoA. There are some positive health benefits associated with the consumption of fatty acids. However, there are some risk factors such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity related to the total dietary intake of fats and other lipids. This book addresses the role of lipids in human function and health. Its extensive content provides the medical students and researchers interested in studying lipids with a thorough understanding of the subject.