Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids

A saturated fatty acid (SFA) is "saturated" with hydrogen atoms. It contains no double bonds

between the C-atoms.:

Stearic acid

Butyric acid

Diets high in saturated fats are correlated with increased incidence of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Foods containing a high proportion of saturated fats are e.g. butter, coconut oil, meat, chocolate. Fats high in saturated fatty acids are mostly solid at room temperature.

An unsaturated fatty acid has one or more double bonds in the fatty acid chain.

A monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) contains one double bond:

MUFA

A polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contains more than one double bond.

PUFA

Notation: The shortest descriptions of fatty acids include only the number of carbon atoms and double bonds. For example C18:0 means that the carbon chain of the fatty acid consists of 18

carbon atoms, and there are no double bonds between the carbon atoms, whereas C18:1 describes

a 18-carbon chain containing one double bond.

Replacing saturated fats in the diet with unsaturated fats offer some health benefits e.g. lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Foods containing unsaturated fats include avocado, nuts, and vegetable oils such as soybean, and olive oils. Fats high in unsaturated fatty acids are liquid at room temperature.