Triglycerides play several vital roles in the body. They help maintain body temperature, protect organs from external factors, and support the immune system. As a primary source of energy, triglycerides fuel cells and muscles. Notably, they carry more than double the energy per gram compared to carbohydrates and proteins.
Digestion begins in the small intestine, where lipase enzymes and bile break down triglycerides, allowing them to enter the bloodstream. Once in the blood, they are reassembled into lipoproteins, which then transport fatty acids between fat cells and other body cells. Fat cells synthesize and store triglycerides, and when energy is required, the lipase enzyme breaks down these stored triglycerides into fatty acids, providing the necessary energy for bodily functions.