What are unsaturated fats?

Definition

Unsaturated fats are a type of dietary fat with chemical structures containing one or more double bonds between carbon atoms. This makes them liquid at room temperature.

Explanation

• There are two main types of unsaturated fats:
  • Monounsaturated (one double bond) – Found in foods like olive oil, avocados, nuts
  • Polyunsaturated (multiple double bonds) – Found in foods like fatty fish, seeds, vegetable oils
• Unsaturated fats are considered healthier than saturated fats and beneficial in moderation. They help regulate cholesterol levels and lower heart disease risk.

Examples

• Olive oil
• Salmon
• Almonds
• Sunflower seeds
• Peanut butter

Related Terms

• Saturated fat
• Trans fat
• Cholesterol
• Lipids
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Omega-6 fatty acids

Common Questions

• What foods contain unsaturated fats?
• Are unsaturated fats good or bad for you?
• What are the health benefits of unsaturated fats?

Do Not Confuse With

• Saturated fats – Contain only single bonds, solid at room temperature
• Trans fats – Unsaturated fats chemically processed into saturated fats

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe to our free newsletter

!