BREAKDOWN OF FATS IN THE HUMAN BODY

 

INTRODUCTION: Fats are some of the chemicals of life that are used by the body to generate energy other than carbohydrates and proteins. We have discussed much about carbohydrates in our previous presentations and the several steps involved in energy production. In our discussion here, we are going to look at some of the processes through which fats are broken down, into which they become the second most immediate source of energy for the body.

LIPOLYSIS: The term lipolysis comes from lipids, which is another name for fats. This is the process of breaking down triglycerides, which are the main form of stored fat in the body, into glycerol and free fatty acids. Lipolysis is stimulated by hormones such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucagon, and growth hormone, which bind to receptors on the surface of fat cells and activate an enzyme called hormone-sensitive lipase. Lipolysis can also be induced by exercise, fasting, or low-carbohydrate diets .

BETA-OXIDATION: This is the process of converting free fatty acids into acetyl-CoA, which is a molecule that can enter the Krebs cycle and produce energy. Beta-oxidation occurs in the mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of the cells. Beta-oxidation requires oxygen and coenzymes such as NAD+ and FAD, which are derived from vitamins B3 and B2. Beta oxidation can also produce ketone bodies, which are alternative fuel sources for the brain and other organs.

THERMOGENESIS: This is the process of generating heat from metabolic reactions, which can increase the energy expenditure and fat burning of the body.  Those are some of the few processes where fats can be utilized in the human body.  In our next discussion, we shall be talking about the dangers of having too much body fat.

RELATED;

1.  PROTEINS

2.  DIGESTION OF LIPIDS

3.  EPINEPHRINE AS A HOMONE AND AS A DRUG

4. GLUCAGON

REFERENCES

BASIC LIFE SKILLS FOR HEALTH INDIVIDUALS

 

BASIC LIFE SKILLS FOR HEALTH INDIVIDUALS:  In order for someone to be alive and health, there are several activities that they have to be doing on a daily basis.  Some of such activities are actually not a must but in case someone ignores them, they may land them into ill health.............

HOW TO PARTITION A HARD DRIVE IN WINDOWS 11

 HOW TO PARTITION A HARD DRIVE IN WINDOWS 11

FACTORS AFFECTING THE NORMAL FUCTIONING OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

 

FACTORS AFFECTING THE NORMAL FUCTIONING OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT:  The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) also known to some as the alimentary canal, is a long and continuous tube that runs from the mouth to the anus and is about 9 meters long for an average individual.  It is the only system in the human body where food and nutrients are obtained by the body via food consumption.  This system has various organs and thickness at different levels.  In my previous discussions I looked at the organs and their length as we go from the mouth to the anal canal and if you have not been following me, you may want to read about that by clicking on the link here.