Fats and Lipids: What Is the Difference?

1. Lipids

A lipid is a group of naturally occurring molecules. That group includes fats, waxes, steroids, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) phospholipids, etc. They are broadly defined as hydrophobic or amphiphilic small molecules. The amphiphilic molecules form structures such as vesicles, liposomes, and membranes in an aqueous environment.They are insoluble in water, yet soluble in alcohol. (Human Biology)

Lipids contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen but they have far less oxygen than carbohydrates. They have high melting points. (Human Biology) The saturated acids have a higher melting point than unsaturated acids. Lipids can be extracted from plants and animals using solvents such as ether, chloroform and acetone. (Chemistry: Principals and Properties)

Lipids store energy in fat and act as structural components of cell membranes. They are an essential nutrient in the human body. Triglycerides (fats and oils) give the body the energy it needs to operate. They serve as components of hormones and vitamins.

They are applied in cosmetic and food industries as well as the field of nanotechnology. In healthcare, doctors and physicians use lipid tests and profiles to measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in a person’s blood.

2. Fats

Fat plays an important role in your body, but too much of it can be very unhealthy. Lipids create a fat storage system that releases energy when the body needs it. Fat also insulates the body and keeps it warm. The human body has to stay a certain temperature and fat helps maintain that temperature. (A Life Science Lexicon) Fats also serve as protection to the organs inside of your body. The insulation of fat around your internal organs protects them from any potential injury or damage....

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...e more likely to be liquids. The saturated fats have a higher melting point and are they more likely to be solids at room temperature. (Human Biology)

Triglycerides are the main ingredients of vegetable oil. In that case, they are usually more unsaturated. They are also found animal fats. They are typically more saturated in animal fats. Triglycerides are also a major component of human skin oils.

In the human body, high levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream have been linked to atherosclerosis. It has also been connected to the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, the relative negative impact of raised levels of triglycerides compared to that of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol ratios is still unknown. The risk can be mostly accounted for by a strong reverse relationship between triglyceride level and the bad cholesterol level. (A Life Science Lexicon)