Fats are part of the human diet. There are two kinds of fats: saturated and unsaturated. The distinction between the two types is the carbon-carbon bonds in the fatty acid molecules. Saturated fats have no double bonds. Saturated fats have double bonds in the molecule, which make it easier for the body to break down. Some foods are easily identifiable as monounsaturated fats. These foods are liquids at room temperature and sometimes turn to solids in colder temperatures.
Oils
Oils are the most common diet source of unsaturated fats. Some oils are polyunsaturated, but others are mainly monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated oils include vegetable oils such as olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil and sesame oil. Olive oils comes from the olives of the tree, and it's used for cooking, pharmaceuticals and fuel. Canola oil is made from a plant called rapeseed, which is native to Canada. Canola oil gets its name from Canada, it's country of origin. Peanut, sunflower and sesame oils come from the plants from which their names are derived.
Avocados
Avocados are one of the few fruit fatty foods, but the fats in the fruit are monounsaturated. Some avocados are imported from the islands in the Caribbean and several South American countries. In the United States, avocado trees have adapted to the climate in south Texas and California. Avocados are medium-sized, oval-shaped fruit with a tough exterior. Within the fruit is the meat of the plant, which is what is eaten for a dieter who wants a portion of monounsaturated fats in a meal.
Nuts and Seeds
Just like the oils from which they are derived, nuts and seeds provide monounsaturated fats as a snack or an added part of a meal. Peanuts are one of the most common foods that are used as snacks or meal ingredients. Peanuts should be used in moderation when cooking for a crowd. Some people have allergic reactions when eating peanuts. Nuts and seeds filled with monounsaturated fats include sunflower and sesame seeds.
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