Unsaturated Fat

Definition

Unsaturated fats are a type of dietary fat that are liquid at room temperature and are known to be healthier than saturated fats and trans fats.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Unsaturated fats are fatty acids that have one or more double bonds in their fatty acid chain. These fats can be categorized into monounsaturated fats, which have one double bond, and polyunsaturated fats, which have more than one. They are typically found in plant and fish oils and are associated with health benefits such as improving blood cholesterol levels.

Benefits

• Improve blood cholesterol levels
• Reduce inflammation
• Stabilize heart rhythms
• Lower the risk of heart disease

Examples

• Olive oil
• Avocado
• Nuts like almonds and walnuts
• Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel

Additional Information

• Importance: Unsaturated fats are important for maintaining heart health and can be a healthier choice in a balanced diet compared to saturated and trans fats.

Related Terms

• Saturated Fat

References

• Dietary Fats: Know Which Types to Choose
• The Effect of Dietary Fat on Health