What distinguishes saturated fats from unsaturated fats?

Saturated fats are characterized by their chemical structure, which contains no double bonds between the carbon atoms in their fatty acid chains. This structure leads to a higher degree of saturation with hydrogen atoms, making saturated fats solid at room temperature. This is a key distinguishing feature of saturated fats compared to unsaturated fats, which contain one or more double bonds, resulting in a liquid state at room temperature due to their less orderly molecular structure.

The solid state of saturated fats at room temperature is why they are often found in animal products like butter, cheese, and fatty meats, whereas unsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil and avocados, remain liquid. Understanding this difference is essential in nutrition, as it informs dietary choices regarding heart health and the management of cholesterol levels.