What is the primary difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?

The primary difference between saturated and unsaturated fats lies in their physical state at room temperature. Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature due to their chemical structure, which lacks double bonds between carbon atoms. This structure allows the molecules to pack closely together, resulting in a solid form. Common sources of saturated fats include animal products like butter and meat.

In contrast, unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds in their chemical structure, which prevents the molecules from packing tightly together, making them liquid at room temperature. Examples of unsaturated fats are found in plant oils, nuts, and fish.

Understanding this distinction is important for making informed dietary choices, as the type of fat consumed can impact health in various ways.