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.
