Salsinha, Ana SofiaMachado, ManuelaRodríguez-Alcalá, Luís MiguelGomes, Ana MariaPintado, Manuela2022-10-132022-10-1320239780128240434http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/39127Lipids are a source of energy and a component of cell membranes. However, many other functions have been reported and their importance to human health is now well established. This chapter will focus essentially on fatty acids, short-, medium-, and long-chain, saturated and (poly)unsaturated fatty acids as well as phytosterols. Conjugated fatty acids will also be addressed. Among the mentioned lipids, their role in cardiovascular diseases, cognitive development, inflammation, reduction of cholesterol levels, insulin and glucose homeostasis and, weight management have been widely reported. Also, when relevant, their antimicrobial activity was also mentioned.engBioactive lipidsSterolsAnti-inflammatory effectCholesterolObesityFatty acidsCardiovascular diseasesType 2 diabetesbook part10.1016/B978-0-12-824043-4.00014-285153043366