Saturatedfats typically come from animal sources, like red meat and dairy.
They tend to stay solid at room temperature and can lead to health issues caused byfatty depositsin blood vessels.
Most unsaturated fats are drawn from plant sources, like nuts, olives, and avocado.
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They stay liquid at room temperature and are less likely to clog your arteries.
Both types of dietary fats are important for your body to stay healthy.
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What Is Saturated Fat?
Saturated fats are called “saturated” because of their chemical structure.
All fats are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen molecules.
Saturated fats are saturated with hydrogen atoms.
They have the greatest number of hydrogen atoms possible and no double bonds in their chemical structure.
For one, this chemical structure means that, like butter, they become solid at room temperature.
Foods that contain saturated fats include:
Is Trans Fat the Same as Saturated Fat?
Trans fat raises LDL cholesterol levels and lowers protective HDL cholesterol levels.
These changes in cholesterol are associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
Saturated Fat: Good or Bad?
More research is needed to understand these effects.
What Is Unsaturated Fat?
Unsaturated fats are typically liquid at room temperature.
They differ from saturated fats in that their chemical structure contains one or more double bonds.
Polyunsaturated fats provide omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that are good for your heart and essential to your health.
Cholesterol has a more complex chemical structure than fats do.
Which Fats Are Good or Bad in Your Diet?
More research is needed to understand the influence of unsaturated and saturated fats on cardiovascular disease.
All of these can have a negative effect on your lipid levels and heart health.
Can You Eat Too Much Unsaturated Fat?
Practicing moderation is the best way to stay healthy.
Additionally, the jot down of fat-containing foods you consume can make a difference in your lipid levels.
Still, it’s important to protect heart health and limit the saturated fats in your diet anyway.
Choose unsaturated fats as your main source of fats and lipids.
These foods are packed with beneficial nutrients like antioxidants that protect your body.
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