Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty acids
Q1: What are saturated fatty acids?
Answer:
Saturated fatty acids contain a single chain of carbon atoms with no double bond. They are “saturated” with hydrogen atoms, which all the available carbon bonds are filled.
Q2: Which fatty acids are riskier for health?
Answer:
Saturated fats are a concentrated source of energy and play several important roles in the body. They contribute to cell membrane structure, provide insulation and protection to organs, and act as an initial stage for the synthesis of various hormones. However, consuming higher amounts of saturated fats would result in an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases like increased blood cholesterol, deposited in the inner wall of an artery, and harmful to health.
Q3: What are food sources for unsaturated fatty acids?
Answer:
The following examples of unsaturated fats include plant and vegetable oil, avocado, sunflower oil, and fish oil.
Q4: What is the structure of unsaturated fatty acids?
Answer:
Contains one or more double bonds between carbon atoms.
Difference Between Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids
Difference Between Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids: Saturated and unsaturated are two types of fatty acids mainly known. These are organic compounds that play an important role in the body’s function and are available in our daily diet. Saturated and Unsaturated fatty acids are divided based on the presence or absence of double bonds between carbon atoms in their carbon chain and chemical structure. Saturated fatty acids have straight carbon chains with no double bonds, which are solid at room temperature, and have a higher melting point. Unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds, bend or twist the carbon chain. These are liquid at normal temperatures and are required for a variety of biological processes. It is important to maintain good health for the human body by using a balance of saturated and unsaturated fats.