Monounsaturated Fats

Definition

Monounsaturated fats are a type of healthy fat found in various foods and oils. They are known to be good for the heart and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Monounsaturated fats are fatty acids that have one double bond in the fatty acid chain and are usually liquid at room temperature but start to turn solid when chilled. Chemically, they have the form CnH2n-1COOH, where the number of carbon atoms (n) is generally greater than 16.

Benefits

• Improve heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels
• Provide nutrients to help develop and maintain body cells
• Help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins

Examples

• Olive oil
• Avocados
• Nuts and seeds, such as almonds and macadamia nuts
• Canola oil

Additional Information

• importance: This nutrient is important for heart health and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Related Terms

• Saturated Fats
• Trans Fats
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids

References

• Monounsaturated Fats - American Heart Association
• Dietary Fats: Know Which Types to Choose - Mayo Clinic