Lipids refer to the molecules of fat, such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids, that serve various functions in the human body. Of the different types of lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides are frequently implicated in heart disease, stroke, and other medical conditions. An understanding of lipid metabolism in the body can shed light on the rationale behind health guidelines that recommend keeping blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides under control.

Lipid Metabolism

In order for lipids to travel through the aqueous environment of the bloodstream, they require proteins called apolipoproteins that combine with lipids. The resulting protein-lipid aggregates, called lipoproteins, are processed in in several distinct steps that are described as follows:

Chylomicrons: Fats ingested through meals are broken down in the gastrointestinal tract and repackaged into chylomicrons, which are combinations of triglycerides, cholesterol, other lipids and apolipoproteins C-II and E. When chylomicrons reach muscle and fat (adipose) tissue, apo C-II triggers the enzyme lipoprotein lipase along the blood vessels to break down triglycerdies for use by local tissues.

• Healthy Diet Weight Loss

• Stacker Herbal Dietary Supplement

  Buy diet foods at Walgreens.com and stay healthy. Choose from diet and nutrition products ranging from supplements and low carb foods to meal replacement bars, low carb ...

• South Beach Diet Salmon Recipes

• Dieting Effective

• The Raw Food Detox Diet