Biology

Saturated and Unsaturated Fats

This is a paper on saturated and unsaturated fats. There are three references used for this paper.

There are a number of components in foods consumed by humans. It is important to understand what saturated and unsaturated fats are, as well as their functions.

Saturated Fats

Saturated fats are "any solid fat that is an ester of glycerol and a saturated fatty acid. The molecules of a saturated fat have only single bonds between carbon atoms (unknown)." These fats are characterized by maintaining a solid or almost sold form when stored at room temperature.

Saturated fats are considered to be extremely unhealthy. They are responsible for making the "body produce more cholesterol, which may raise blood cholesterol levels. Excess saturated fat is related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (www.dietsite.com/Diets/HeartHealthy/FatDictionary/Saturated%20Fat)."

Unsaturated Fats

Unsaturated fats are characterized by "double bonds in the fatty acid portion of the molecule. Unsaturated fats can be converted to saturated fats by a process called hydrogenation; since this usually raises the melting point of the fat and makes it a solid, the process is also called hardening (unknown)."

Unsaturated fats are considered to be good fats, and can be divided into two groups known as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats can "lower LDL, the bad cholesterol, and raise HDL, the good cholesterol. Polyunsaturated fats contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help prevent abnormal heart rhythms, improve the functioning of the heart and reduce risk of blood clotting. Monounsaturated fats contain vitamin E, thiamine, zinc, folate, niacin and antioxidants that help to fight illnesses such as heart disease and cancer (www.freep.com/news/health/diet9_20011009.htm)."

Conclusion

There are a variety of fats in the foods consumed today. It is important to understand the difference between these fats in order to maintain a healthy diet and prevent certain illnesses.

Works Cited

Fats Dictionary. (Accessed 07 February, 2005). www.dietsite.com/Diets/HeartHealthy/FatDictionary/Saturated%20Fat).

Liddane, Lisa. Experts stress worth of unsaturated fats. Orange County Register.

2001:09 October. (accessed 07 February, 2005). www.freep.com/news/health/diet9_20011009.htm).

Unknown. Saturated Fat. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. (2004); 22 April.