A fatty acid with a single double bond between two carbons is considered what kind of fat?

A fatty acid with a single double bond between two carbon atoms is classified as a monounsaturated fat. This classification comes from the structure of the fatty acid, which contains one double bond in its carbon chain. The presence of only a single double bond allows the remaining carbon atoms in the chain to be bonded to hydrogen atoms, which is a defining characteristic of monounsaturated fatty acids.

Monounsaturated fats are important in nutrition because they can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood and may provide cardiovascular benefits. Common sources of monounsaturated fats include olive oil, avocados, and certain nuts.

In contrast, polyunsaturated fats have multiple double bonds, saturated fats contain no double bonds at all, and trans fats are a specific type of unsaturated fat that has been hydrogenated, resulting in a particular arrangement of hydrogen atoms that can have harmful health effects. Understanding these categories helps in making informed dietary choices regarding fats.