Animal fat
Animal Fat
Animal fat (/ˈænɪməl fæt/) is a broad term that refers to several types of fats that are derived from various animals.
Etymology
The term "animal fat" is derived from the English words "animal" and "fat". "Animal" comes from the Latin word "animalis", meaning "having breath", while "fat" comes from the Old English "fætt", which means "fat, fatted, plump".
Definition
Animal fat is a type of lipid that is obtained from the tissues of animals. It is primarily composed of triglycerides and can be solid or liquid at room temperature, depending on its structure and composition. Animal fats are used in a variety of applications, including cooking, soap making, and as a source of biofuel.
Types of Animal Fat
There are several types of animal fats, including:
- Tallow: This is a hard, fatty substance made from rendered animal fat, typically beef or mutton fat.
- Lard: This is a semi-solid white fat product obtained by rendering the fatty tissue of the pig.
- Suet: This is the raw, hard fat of beef or mutton found around the loins and kidneys.
- Butter: This is a dairy product made from the fat and protein components of milk or cream. It is a semi-solid emulsion at room temperature, consisting of approximately 80% butterfat.
Health Implications
Animal fats are high in saturated fats, which can raise levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood if consumed in excess. High levels of LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, animal fats also contain monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, which can have beneficial effects on heart health when consumed in moderation.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Animal fat
- Wikipedia's article - Animal fat
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