There are 3 types of fat people normally eat, Saturated, Unsaturated, and Trans.
Note: there is also 2 types of unsaturated fat, Polyunsaturated and Monounsaturated fat.
Among all the types of fat, each one has a different, yet similar molecular structure. The small difference among each reflects the physical
characteristics of the fat, and how it affects our body.
What you should know:
- It's molecular structure is most stable, no carbons have double bonds, and has the most hydrogen
- It is a solid at room temperature
- This type of fat is found in meat and dairy foods. It is also in coconut oil.
- Foods that contain fat are not strictly saturated or unsaturated fat, they are a combination of the two. For instance
Peanut butter is mostly unsaturated fat, but does also contain saturated fat.
- It is recommended by nutritionists to eat no more than 30 grams of saturated fat per day.
- Consistently under-eating saturated fat can cause brain atrophy and hormonal deficiencies/issues.
- Consistently over-eating saturated fat can cause weight gain and clogged arteries, both of which are a
double whammy against the heart really increasing chances of a
heart attack.
- Fat (this includes trans, unsaturated, and saturated) is
one of the 4 calorie yielding nutrients. It has 9 calories per gram. Carbs and protein have 4 calories per gram and alcohol has 7 per gram.
