Fat
Fat
Fat (/fæt/) is a group of compounds that are generally soluble in organic solvents and largely insoluble in water. Chemically, fats are triglycerides, triesters of glycerol and any of several fatty acids. Fats may be either solid or liquid at room temperature, depending on their structure and composition.
Etymology
The term "fat" is derived from the Old English fǣtt, which means crammed or adorned; it was first used in the modern dietary sense around the 14th century.
Types of Fat
There are several types of fat, including:
- Saturated fat: These are fats that have all of the carbon atoms in their fatty acid chains bonded to hydrogen atoms, hence they are fully "saturated" with hydrogen. They are typically solid at room temperature.
- Unsaturated fat: These are fats that have one or more double bonds in their fatty acid chains. They are typically liquid at room temperature.
- Trans fat: These are a type of unsaturated fat that occur in small amounts in nature, but became widely produced industrially from vegetable fats starting in the 20th century for use in margarine, snack food, and packaged baked goods.
- Monounsaturated fat: These are fats that have one double bond in the fatty acid chain with all of the remainder carbon atoms being single-bonded.
- Polyunsaturated fat: These are fats in which there is more than one double bond in the fatty acid chain.
Health Effects
Fats play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and hair, insulating body organs against shock, maintaining body temperature, and promoting healthy cell function. However, not all fats are equal in terms of their effects on the body. For example, trans fats are considered harmful to health, while unsaturated fats are considered beneficial when consumed in moderation.
Related Terms
- Lipid: A broad group of naturally occurring molecules which includes fats as well as waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K), monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
- Cholesterol: A type of fat-like substance that is found in the body's cells. It is used to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest foods.
- Triglyceride: The main constituents of body fat in humans and other animals, as well as vegetable fat.
- Fatty acid: The building blocks of the fat in our bodies and in the food we eat.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fat
- Wikipedia's article - Fat
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