Unsaturated Fat

Fat derived from plant and some animal sources.

A fat with a triglyceride molecule containing at
least one unsaturated fatty acid.
It is a fat or fatty acid in which there is one
(monounsaturated) or more (polyunsaturated)
double bond in the fatty acid chain
It is liquid in room temperature
Food such as avocado, nuts, soy beans, canola and olive oil contain unsaturated
fats.
EXAMPLES: Palmitoleic Acid (monounsaturated), Sapienic Acid (polyunsaturated
acid),
OMEGA NUMBERING

Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fats essential fatty acids that our body

needs, But cant make;

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat considered essential for human health because the body
cannot manufacture these types of acids. People must obtain omega-3 fatty acids from foods such as fish-, nut- and
plant-based oils, including canola oil and sunflower oils.
correct imbalances in modern diets that lead to health problems. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help
lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and cancer, as well as lower LDL or bad
cholesterol.

Omega 6 Polyunsaturated Fats essential fatty acids that our body

needs, BUT CANT MAKE;
Omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats, essential for human health because the body cannot manufacture
them. People must obtain omega-6 fatty acids by consuming foods such as meat, poultry and eggs, as well as nutand plant-based oils, including canola, corn, soybean, and sunflower oils.
Most omega-6 fatty acids are consumed in the diet from vegetable oils, such as linoleic acid. Excessive amounts of
linoleic acid can contribute to inflammation and result in heart disease, cancer, asthma, arthritis and depression.

Omega 9-monounsaturated fats;

Omega-9 fatty acids are from a family of unsaturated fats commonly found in vegetable oils. This monounsaturated
fat is described as omega-9 because the double bond is in the ninth position from the omega end. Unlike omega-3
and omega-6 fatty acids, the body can produce omega-9 fatty acids, but they are beneficial when obtained in food.

ALA is found in flaxseed, canola and soybean oils, and walnuts.

EPA and DHA are found in fatty fishes such as herring, mackerel, salmon, tuna and trout.
Protective against metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Because omega-9 fatty acids have
been shown to increase HDL (good) cholesterol and decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol, they help eliminate plaque
buildup in the arteries, which may cause heart attack or stroke.

Omega refers to the position of double bond in relation to methyl group on the end
of the fatty acid.

Omega 3 double bond at the third carbon atom from the end of the carbon
chain
Omega 6 double bond at the 6th carbon atom from the methyl end
Omega 9 double bond at the 9th carbon atom from the methyl end

It is different from saturated fats because

1. Saturated fats only have single bonds, while unsaturated fats have at least
one double bond.
2. Saturated fats increase LDL and VLDL, while unsaturated fats increase HDL
and decrease LDL.
3. Food with saturated fats do not spoil quickly, on the other hand, food
containing unsaturated fats spoil easily.
4. Saturated fats have a high melting point and is solid at room temperature
while unsaturated fats have a low melting point and liquid at room
temperature.

Sources:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/u/unsaturated_fat.htm
http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-unsaturated-fats.html
http://www.nutritionheart.com/fat-nomenclature/
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Saturated_Fats_vs_Unsaturated_Fats
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/unsaturated+fat
http://www.omega-9oils.com/omega-9-advantage/healthier-profile/omega-3-6-9.htm