Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids::
Saturated fatty acids have all the carbon atoms in the chain saturated with hydrogen atoms when a double bond is present between two carbon atoms the fatty acids is termed as unsaturated fatty acid The degree of unsaturation varies according to the presence of double bonds if one or more double bonds are present in a fat it is called unsaturated fatty acid if there are more double bonds in a fat it is called polyunsaturated fatty acid
Palmitic stearic and butyric acids are saturated fatty acids Oleic linoleic linolenic and arachidonic acids are unsaturated oils they have one two three and four double bonds respectively the unsaturated fatty acids are often described as essential fatty acids Vegetable oils are rich in linoleic acid while fish oils and animal fats are rich in arachidonic acid
Essential Fatty Acids ::
Nutritionally important fatty acids are known as essential fatty acids (EFA) Since the body cannot synthesise them EFA must be supplied to the body through foods linoleic acids linolenic acids and arachidonic acids are the essential fatty acids
Functions of Fat in the Diet::
Fat is important due to its highest calorie density in foodstuffs one gramme of fat supplies 9.3 kcal while 1 gramme of carbohydrate and protein supply 4.3 and 5.6 kcal respectively fats are the carriers of fat soluble vitamins A D E and K Fats also exert a thiamine sparing action fats have a protein sparing action also Essential fatty acids help to maintain tissuse their normal structure and efficiency fats especially phosphatides form an essential part of nervous tissues Adipose tissue where fat is stored serves as an insulation material in injury vital organs of the body are thus protected in growth period it promotes growth it also enables proper sexual maturity especially in female experimental animals fat provides flavour and palatability to food
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