Intestinal Villi

Absorption of Fat Glycerol + Short Chain Fatty Acids  Intestinal Cells  Capillaries  Liver  Bloodstream

Entrance of Monoglycerides and Long Chain Fatty Acids from lumen into intestinal cells… In lumen, they combine with bile to form spherical complexes (Micelles) → enter intestinal cells and form protein coated molecules → Lymphatic system → Bloodstream

Chylomicrons Clusters of lipids (cholesterol, phopholipids and triglycerides) and proteins that transport fat around the body

Types of Lipoproteins Chylomicrons – mostly triglycerides Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDLs) – ½ triglycerides; made in the liver Low Density Lipoproteins (LDLs) – highest in cholesterol; VLDLs without triglycerides High Density Lipoproteins (HDLs) – ½ protein; made in liver

Improving LDL:HDL Ratio and Heart Health 1. Exercise: can  HDL concentration 2. Substitute saturated fats with monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fats in diet (saturated fats can raise LDLs) 3. Eat more soluble fibers (gums, pectins): they bind to bile and increase its excretion. Bile is made from cholesterol  lowers blood cholesterol 4.  intake of antioxidants - Vit C prevents free radicals from oxidizing LDLs  oxidation changes structure and function of LDL which leads to damaged arterial walls