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Saturated Fats</h2>
Saturated fats are saturated with hydrogen molecules and contain only single bonds between carbon molecules. On the other hand, unsaturated fats have at least one double bond between carbon molecules.
This saturation of hydrogen molecules results in saturated fats being solid at room temperature, unlike unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, which tend to be liquid at room temperature.
Keep in mind that there are different types of saturated fats depending on their carbon chain length, including short-, long-, medium-, and very-long-chain fatty acids — all of which have different effects on health.
Saturated fats are found in animal products like milk, cheese, and meat, as well as tropical oils, including coconut and palm oil.
Saturated fats are often listed as “bad” fats and are commonly grouped with trans fats — a type of fat that’s known to cause health issues — even though evidence on the health effects of saturated fat intake is far from conclusive.
For decades, health organizations around the world have recommended keeping saturated fat intake to a minimum and replacing it with highly processed vegetable oils, such as canola oil, to decrease heart disease risk and promote overall health.
Despite these recommendations, heart disease rates — which have been linked to saturated fat intake — have steadily risen, as have obesity and related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, which some experts blame on overreliance on carb-rich, processed foods.
Plus, a number of studies, including large reviews, contradict the recommendations to avoid saturated fat and instead consume vegetable oils and carb-rich foods, leading to warranted consumer confusion
Additionally, many experts argue that one macronutrient can’t be blamed for disease progression and that diet as a whole is what matters.
<h2>Monounsaturated Fats</h2>
From a chemical standpoint, monounsaturated fats are simply fat molecules that have one unsaturated carbon bond in the molecule, this is also called a double bond. Oils that contain monounsaturated fats are typically liquid at room temperature but start to turn solid when chilled. Olive oil is an example of a type of oil that contains monounsaturated fats.
Monounsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood which can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. They also provide nutrients to help develop and maintain your body’s cells. Oils rich in monounsaturated fats also contribute vitamin E to the diet, an antioxidant vitamin most Americans need more of.
Yes, monounsaturated fats are better for you than saturated or trans fats. While, all fats provide 9 calories per gram, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats can have a positive effect on your health, when eaten in moderation. The bad fats –saturated fats and trans fats – can negatively affect your health.
<h2>Polyunsaturated Fats</h2>
polyunsaturated fats are simply fat molecules that have more than one unsaturated carbon bond in the molecule, this is also called a double bond. Oils that contain polyunsaturated fats are typically liquid at room temperature but start to turn solid when chilled. Olive oil is an example of a type of oil that contains polyunsaturated fats.
Polyunsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood which can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. They also provide nutrients to help develop and maintain your body’s cells. Oils rich in polyunsaturated fats also contribute vitamin E to the diet, an antioxidant vitamin most Americans need more of.
Oils rich in polyunsaturated fats also provide essential fats that your body needs but can’t produce itself – such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. You must get essential fats through food. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are important for many functions in the body.
Yes, polyunsaturated fats are better than trans and saturated fats. While, all fats provide 9 calories per gram, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats can have a positive effect on your health, when eaten in moderation. The bad fats – saturated fats and trans fats – can negatively affect your health.
(～￣▽￣)～Hope this helps!
