Saturated Vs Unsaturated Fat: What You Need To Know
Fat Is Essentially Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen.
Saturated Fat
Consists of carbon molecules bonded by single bonds
They are solid at room temperature like butter, cheese and coconut oil.
Unsaturated Fat
Consists of DOUBLE bonds between carbon molecules.
They are liquid at room temperature like most plant-based oils.
Scientists unanimously agree that unsaturated fat which includes poly and monounsaturated fat are good for health.
Food rich in mono-unsaturated fat include nuts like almonds and hazelnuts and seeds like pumpkin and sesame
Food rich in poly-unsaturated fat include sunflower oil, soybean oil, walnuts, flaxseed and fish.
When it comes to unsaturated fat, scientists are yet to form a consensus on its effect on health.
Despite long-standing emphasis on following a low-fat diet, cardiovascular diseases are on the rise. Hence, scientists are starting to question whether connection between saturated fat and cardiovascular diseases are causative or not.
Taking a holistic approach, newer recommendations suggests focusing on food-based dietary recommendations rather than a single nutrient.