What distinguishes polyunsaturated fats from saturated fats?

The distinguishing feature of polyunsaturated fats compared to saturated fats lies in the number of double bonds present in their chemical structure. Saturated fats consist of fatty acid chains that have no double bonds between carbon atoms, meaning they are fully "saturated" with hydrogen atoms. In contrast, polyunsaturated fats have multiple double bonds in their fatty acid chains. This difference in bonding affects the physical properties of the fats, such as their state at room temperature and their overall health impact. For example, polyunsaturated fats, which include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, tend to be liquid at room temperature and are considered healthier for heart health than saturated fats, which are typically solid.

Understanding this key difference is crucial for distinguishing between types of dietary fats and making informed nutritional choices.