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FATS

Lipids are a group of organic compounds found in living organisms. They vary in their structures and functions. Because of their hydrophobic and non-polar nature, lipids are soluble in organic solvents. Lipids are primarily made up of hydrocarbon chains connected to glycerol via ester linkage. We broadly classify lipids into two categories–simple lipids and compound lipids. Various types of lipids are included within these two major categories of lipids. These include fats, triacylglycerols, wax, phospholipids, steroids, etc. Fatty acids are obtained as a result of hydrolysis of fats. Naturally occurring fatty acids are generally synthesized from two carbon units and hence, contain even number of carbon atoms. Synthesized from 2 carbon units, fatty acid chains may be saturated (having no double bonds) or unsaturated (having one or more double bonds).

Saturated FatsUnsaturated FatsTransfats
They are solid at room temperatureThey are liquid at room temperatureThey are solid at room temperature
Even naturally occurring Saturated fats and its products are bad for youPlant oils are good for youThey are formed artificially by hydrogenation of unsaturated fats. Also found in certain natural sources.
No double bondsHave double bondsHave very few double bonds and are generally not good for you
Animal originsMono Unsaturated Fatty Acids, Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids, Omega 3 fatty acids, Omega 6 fatty acidsPartial hydrogenation of oil produces Transfat. This is done to increase the self-life of products