FATS
Fats are a type of lipids, often referred to as Triglycerides due to the presence of 3 Fatty Acids chain and a glycerol group. Fatty Acids are nothing but the building blocks or simpler form of Fats. Fatty acids are long chains of carbons with a carboxyl (-OH) group at the end.
Fats can either be solid or liquid at room temperatures based on how tightly the hydrocarbon chains which form the Fat are packed.
Fats are generally classified as saturated and unsaturated fats based on the number of carbon bonds present in the hydrocarbon chain which forms the skeletal structure of the fat molecule.
Single bond between neighbouring carbons: Saturated fats
Double bond between neighbouring carbons: Unsaturated fats
Most often the saturated fats have tightly packed molecules and exist as solids in room temperatures.
Fats and their significance in our health
Fats and the form in which we consume them plays an important role in the over-all health of one’s self.
They are also required in the uptake and assimilation of Fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamins-A,D,E and K.
- Saturated fats in our diet: Derived from animal sources: Milk, Butter, meat,
- Derived from plant sources: cocoa butter, coconut oil
- Unsaturated fats in our diet: Vegetable oils: olive oil, canola oil
- Plant-based oils: sunflower oil, corn oil, sesame oil
- Omega-3 rich foods: Seafood, nuts and seeds (walnuts, flax seed)
Trans fat containing food: these are a type of unsaturated fat used in processed food like chips, crackers to keep them crispy. Also present in margarine, salad dressings. They are quite harmful to our health.
Why does it matter what type of fat we consume?
The amount of fat and the form in which we consume them plays a role in the possibility of us developing, cardiac diseases.
Here’s why :
Consuming more amounts of saturated fat increases the levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol” whose function is to transport fat within our body. High levels of LDL, lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Hence, it is of prime importance one keeps an eye on the type and amount of fats one consumes.