What are unsaturated fats?
Soft fats and oils tend to contain more unsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats include the omega-3 and omega-6 families. The omega -3 fats contained in fish oils are reported to be beneficial to blood fat levels. Other sources of polyunsaturated fats include margarine, salad dressings and sunflower oil. Monounsaturated fats are found in olive oil, rapeseed (canola) oil, nuts and avocados. These are the healthy choices for fats. Monounsaturated fats may help to improve cholesterol levels in the blood. Unsaturated fats are vulnerable to chemical alterations, which can change the properties of the fats. In particular, polyunsaturated fats may be transformed within the body into lipid peroxides. Polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats may be transformed into trans fats during food processing. Both of these types of fats can be damaging to our health.
The scientific definition of an unsaturated fat is having one or more double bond(s) in the fatty acid chain. There are two types of unsaturated fatty acids: • Monounsaturated fats have only one double bond in the fatty acid chain. The common fatty acid is known as oleic acid. • Polyunsaturated fats have two or more double bonds in the fatty acid chain. Some common fatty acids are linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which are essential fatty acids. In general, the greater the unsaturation of a fat, the more liquid it is.
The scientific definition of an unsaturated fat is having one or more double bond(s) in the fatty acid chain. There are two types of unsaturated fatty acids: 1. Monounsaturated fats have only one double bond in the fatty acid chain. The common fatty acid is known as oleic acid. 2. Polyunsaturated fats have two or more double bonds in the fatty acid chain. Some common fatty acids are linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which are essential fatty acids. In general, the greater the unsaturation of a fat, the more liquid it is.
The scientific definition of an unsaturated fat is having one or more double bond(s) in the fatty acid chain. There are two types of unsaturated fatty acids: Monounsaturated fats have only one double bond in the fatty acid chain. The common fatty acid is known as oleic acid. Polyunsaturated fats have two or more double bonds in the fatty acid chain. Some common fatty acids are linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which are essential fatty acids. In general, the greater the unsaturation of a fat, the more liquid it is.
