Saturated fatty acids

Saturated fatty acids

Saturated fatty acids (IPA: /ˈsætʃəˌreɪtɪd ˈfæti ˈæsɪdz/), are a type of fatty acid in which all the carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain are connected by single bonds. The term "saturated" refers to the fact that these fatty acids are "saturated" with hydrogen atoms, meaning they cannot hold any more.

Etymology

The term "saturated" comes from the Latin word "saturare", meaning "to fill or saturate", and the term "fatty acid" is derived from the fact that these molecules are composed of a carboxylic acid group attached to a long hydrocarbon chain, which is typically rich in fat.

Types of Saturated Fatty Acids

There are several types of saturated fatty acids, including but not limited to:

• Lauric acid
• Myristic acid
• Palmitic acid
• Stearic acid

Each of these fatty acids has a different number of carbon atoms, which affects their physical properties and their effects on health.

Health Effects

Saturated fatty acids are often associated with increased levels of LDL cholesterol, which can lead to atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. However, not all saturated fatty acids have the same effects on health, and some may even have beneficial effects.

Dietary Sources

Saturated fatty acids are found in a variety of foods, including:

• Meat
• Dairy products
• Coconut oil
• Palm oil

It's important to note that while these foods are high in saturated fats, they also contain other nutrients that are beneficial to health.

See Also

• Unsaturated fatty acids
• Trans fat
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Omega-6 fatty acids

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Saturated fatty acids
• Wikipedia's article - Saturated fatty acids

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