× Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask a question
Top Posters
Since Sunday
g
2
2
1
1
J
1
1
1
1
R
1
L
1
S
1
A
1
New Topic  
sholland90 sholland90
wrote...
13 years ago
What is the difference between a saturated fat and an unsaturated fat; in terms of both structure and properties?
Read 11105 times
2 Replies

Related Topics

Replies
wrote...
Valued Member
13 years ago
What is the difference between a saturated fat and an unsaturated fat; in terms of both structure and properties?


Saturated fats are found in animal products and processed foods, such as meats, dairy products, chips, and pastries. The chemical structure of a saturated fat is fully saturated with hydrogen atoms, and does not contain double bonds between carbon atoms. Saturated fats are not heart healthy, since they are most known for raising your LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol).



Unsaturated fats, are found foods such as nuts, avocados, and olives. They are liquid at room temperature and differ from saturated fats in that their chemical structure contains double bonds. Additionally, studies have shown that unsaturated fats are also heart-healthy fats - they have the ability to lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol).



I don't feel like riding until everything blurs.

Ask Me Maths Questions

wrote...
Staff Member
13 years ago
A saturated fat is one whose carbon atoms are all completely surrounded by hydrogen atoms, plus the two oxygen atoms at the end. An unsaturated fat is one with one or more carbon atoms not completely surrounded, and thus forming a double bond. This is the difference between a saturated fat and an unsaturated fat. Saturated fats are completely saturated with hydrogen atoms, as much as they can handle.

A monounsaturated fat is a fat with only one pair of carbon atoms missing their hydrogen atoms. A polyunsaturated fat is one with multiple double bonded carbon atoms that are each missing hydrogen atoms. In general, the more hydrogen atoms a fat is missing, the healthier the fat is to the body. This is a very general statement however and is not true in all cases.
- Master of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Science
New Topic      
Explore
Post your homework questions and get free online help from our incredible volunteers
  461 People Browsing
 111 Signed Up Today
Show Emoticons
:):(;):P:D:|:O:?:nerd:8o:glasses::-):-(:-*O:-D>:-D:o):idea::important::help::error::warning::favorite:
Related Images
  
 232
  
 258
  
 212
Your Opinion
How often do you eat-out per week?
Votes: 81

Previous poll results: Who's your favorite biologist?