Unsaturated fats include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These foods are liquids at room temperature. However, monounsaturated fats normally harden when placed in the refrigerator. Unsaturated fats are given the name due to the carbon bonds in the fatty acids that comprise the molecule.
Significance
Unsaturated fats are considered healthier for the diet. These fats are shown to lower cholesterol levels. Polyunsaturated fats include omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health.
Structure
Fats have three hydrocarbon "tails" called fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids have a carbon tail only consisting of single bonds. Monounsaturated fatty acids contain one double bond in the fatty acid tail. Polyunsaturated fats have at least two double bonds in the fatty acid tails.
Foods
Foods containing both types of unsaturated fats include oils such as olive oil, sunflower oil and canola oil. Fish are a good source of polyunsaturated fats including herring, mackerel, salmon and tuna.
Considerations
All fats contain 9 calories per gram. Fats contain the highest source of energy, but too much can lead to obesity. Fats should be a part of a balanced diet.
Function
The function of fats is to provide energy for the body. When carbohydrates are not available, the body turns to fats for energy. Fats are oxidized in the cells and used to produce adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which is the energy currency of the cell.
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