The term dietary lipid is used to describe fatty acids, esters and potential esters of fatty acids. In simple terms, any of a group of organic compounds that are greasy to the touch, insoluble in water, and soluble in alcohol and ether. They play many important roles in maintaining the health of an organism. Arguably the most important function performed by lipids are as the building blocks of cellular membranes. Other functions include energy storage, insulation, cellular communication and protection. The major dietary lipids are animal- and plant-based triglycerides, sterols, and membrane phospholipids. Even though most dietary fat consist of triglycerides, there are small amounts of more complex lipids, such as phospholipids, present in the cell membranes of all food we eat (see: Wikipedia).