Saturated vs. Unsaturated Fatty Acids: Understanding the Differences

1. Draw a saturated fatty acid molecule and name it

Saturated fatty acid: Palmitic acid

2. Draw an unsaturated fatty acid molecule and name it

Unsaturated fatty acid: Oleic acid

3. If you are given a choice to consume Palm oil and Olive oil, which one will you choose?

When given the choice between Palm oil and Olive oil, the healthier option would be Olive oil. This is because Olive oil is an unsaturated fat that can help lower cholesterol levels, while Palm oil, a saturated fat, may contribute to heart problems.

Final answer: Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids differ in the bonds they have.

Explanation: Fatty acids can be divided into two different types: saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fatty acids, like palmitic acid, have no double bonds between carbon atoms. On the other hand, unsaturated fatty acids, like oleic acid found in olive oil, contain one or more double bonds.

Unsaturated fats have a healthier profile compared to saturated fats due to their ability to lower cholesterol levels.