fatty acid comparison sheet of kinds of edible oils

Saturated fatty acids are characterized by having all of their carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms with no double bonds between the carbon atoms. This means that the fatty acid chain is straight and can pack tightly together, making it solid at room temperature. Saturated fatty acids are typically found in animal-based foods such as meat and dairy products, as well as some vegetable oils like coconut oil and palm oil.

Unsaturated fatty acids, on the other hand, have one or more double bonds between their carbon atoms, causing the chain to kink and bend. This makes it difficult for the fatty acid chains to pack tightly together, making unsaturated fats typically liquid at room temperature. There are two main types of unsaturated fatty acids: monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). MUFAs have one double bond in their carbon chain and are typically found in foods such as camellia oil,olive oil, avocados, and nuts. PUFAs have two or more double bonds in their carbon chain and are found in foods such as fatty fish, nuts, and seeds.

Overall, fatty acids are important nutrients that play a vital role in human health. While saturated fatty acids should be consumed in moderation due to their negative impact on cardiovascular health, unsaturated fatty acids, particularly MUFAs and PUFAs, are an important part of a healthy diet and have been shown to have numerous health benefits.