What is a saturated fat?
Palmitic acid is an 18 carbon saturated fat. Note that the lack of double bonds produces a straight chain molecule. The carbons are saturated with hydrogens instead of double bonds. This straight chain structure is rigid, which is why palmitic acid and other saturated fats (e.g. lard) are solid at room temperature (a high melting point). In contrast, the multiple double bonds in polyunsaturated fats, such as the Omega-3 fatty acids, produce a very flexible molecule, which is liquid (oil) at room temperature (low melting point). Omega-3 and Omega-6 are both essential for your health. They are essential dietary lipids.We need to take them in our diet. In balance. Omega-6: Form pro-inflammatory series. Omega-3: Form anti-inflammatory series.
