What they do: Lipids play an important role in living organisms. Some of their main
functions include energy storage, hormones, and cell membranes.
Lipids are made up of the same elements as carbohydrates: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
However, lipids tend to contain many more hydrogen atoms than oxygen atoms. Lipids include
fats, steroids, phospholipids, and waxes. One main characteristic of lipids is that they do not
dissolve in water.
Most lipids come from the diet. They are absorbed into the
bloodstream, and travel to the liver, among other places, where the
liver converts the ingested fats into the fats your body needs for
energy or storage.
Relationship with Food Pyramid: They are found in fats, at the top of the
pyramid, meaning you should eat the least of them.
Deficiencies: A severely low-fat diet can result in poor vitamin absorption,
depression, an increased risk of cancer, high cholesterol, heart disease and
increased weight gain