NEUTRAL FAT Meaning and
Definition
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Neutral fat, also known as triglycerides, is a type of lipid or fat molecule that is predominantly composed of three fatty acid chains bound to a glycerol molecule. It is called "neutral" because it carries no charge and is chemically non-polar, making it hydrophobic or insoluble in water. Neutral fats serve as a concentrated energy source within the human body, providing approximately nine kilocalories (calories) per gram when broken down through metabolism.
The structure of neutral fat molecules plays a crucial role in their function. The fatty acid chains attached to the glycerol backbone can vary in size and composition, including saturated, unsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These variations influence the physical properties and nutritional effects of the neutral fat. Saturated fats, for example, are typically solid at room temperature and are commonly found in animal-based products like butter, lard, and fatty meat. Unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, on the other hand, are often liquid at room temperature and occur in plants, such as oils from olives, soybeans, or sunflowers.
Neutral fats are stored in specialized cells called adipocytes, which accumulate in adipose tissue throughout the body. Their primary function is to store excess energy in the form of triglycerides for future use. When required, the stored neutral fats can be broken down through lipolysis, a metabolic process that releases the fatty acids from the glycerol molecule to produce energy for bodily functions. However, excessive accumulation or consumption of neutral fats can contribute to weight gain and various health complications, including cardiovascular diseases.
In summary, neutral fat or triglycerides are a group of lipid molecules that consist of three fatty acid chains bound to a glycerol backbone. They represent an essential energy reserve
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A compound of one of the fatty acids (oleic, palmitic, or stearic) and glycerin; same as fat (3).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NEUTRAL FAT
- beutral fat
- meutral fat
- jeutral fat
- heutral fat
- nwutral fat
- nsutral fat
- ndutral fat
- nrutral fat
- n4utral fat
- n3utral fat
- neytral fat
- nehtral fat
- nejtral fat
- neitral fat
- ne8tral fat
- ne7tral fat
- neurral fat
- neufral fat
- neugral fat
- neuyral fat
Etymology of NEUTRAL FAT
The word "neutral" in the context of "neutral fat" comes from the Latin word "neutrālis", which means "neuter" or "neutral". This term was initially used to describe substances that are chemically neither acidic nor alkaline.
The term "fat" comes from the Old English word "fǣtt", which means "fatty" or "rich". It traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "fetaz", and ultimately to the Proto-Indo-European root "pət-", which means "to fall" or "to fly", suggesting a sense of "swelling" or "puffing up".
When combined, the term "neutral fat" refers to a type of fat that is chemically neutral or uncharged, such as triglycerides, which are the main components of body fat.
Similar spelling word for NEUTRAL FAT
