Lipids are organic molecules with long hydrocarbon chains that are soluble in non-polar solvents. They serve several important functions in the body including energy storage, insulation, forming cell membranes, and acting as hormones. The most important types of lipids are triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids. Phospholipids make up cell membranes while cholesterol is transported around the body by lipoproteins, which can either deposit or remove cholesterol from arteries. Certain fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, are essential as the body cannot synthesize them.