What’s the main difference between saturated fats and unsaturated fats
The main difference between saturated fats and unsaturated fats is their chemical structure.
Saturated fats have no double bonds between the carbon atoms of their fatty acid chains, which means they are saturated with hydrogen atoms. This makes them solid at room temperature and have a higher melting point. Foods high in saturated fats include meat, dairy products, and tropical oils.
Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, have at least one double bond in their fatty acid chains, which reduces the number of hydrogen atoms and creates a kink in the chain. This makes them liquid at room temperature and have a lower melting point. Foods high in unsaturated fats include nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil.
From a health perspective, saturated fats are generally considered less healthy than unsaturated fats because they can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Unsaturated fats, especially monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, are considered healthier options for a balanced diet.