Fats come in two major types - saturated fats and unsaturated fats.
Both are different in several ways, some of which are mentioned below.
So, read ahead!
Fats make an integral part of a healthy and balanced diet. They contribute to the energy levels in the body, and also perform a significant role in numerous other bodily functions, keeping you fit and active.
Hence, contrary to the popular belief, fats are not bad for your health, if consumed in moderation. However, you need to understand which fats to incorporate more into your diet, and which fats to avoid.
As already mentioned, there are two major types of fats - saturated and unsaturated. In this article, we'll talk about both of them in brief.
What are saturated fats?
Saturated fats are a type of fat in which the carbon atoms are saturated with hydrogen atoms, having all single bonds.
It can be found in dairy, plant oils, animal meat, baked items, and more.
What are unsaturated fats?
Unsaturated fats differ from saturated fats in their chemical structure. They have at least one double (sometimes even triple) bond between their carbon atoms.
Unsaturated fats can be further divided into monounsaturated fats (containing only one double bond) and polyunsaturated fats (containing two or more double bonds).
It can be found in nuts, olives, plant oils, fish, and more.
So, what are the main differences between them?
The most important difference between saturated and unsaturated fats lies in their chemical structures. Saturated fats contain a single bond, while unsaturated fats boast at least one double bond.
Saturated fats have a high melting point, while unsaturated fats have a low melting point.
Saturated fats don't spoil quickly, whereasunsaturated fats spoil quickly.
Saturated fats are solid at room temperature, while unsaturated fats are usually found liquid at room temperature.
Consumption of saturated fats is linked to an increased level of LDL cholesterol (also known as bad cholesterol) in the body. On the other hand, consumption of unsaturated fats is linked to an increased level of HDL cholesterol (also called good cholesterol) in the body.
People who consume lots of saturated fats daily are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disorders. On the other hand, unsaturated fats are shown to be good for your heart health.
As doctors suggest, consumption of saturated fats and unsaturated fats should be less than 10% and 30% of your daily calories respectively.
