Why do we need polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats?

Answer 1

Saturated fatty acids are named saturated because the carbons are carrying as many hydrogen atoms as they can. Because the carbons are carrying as many hydrogen atoms as possible, there are no double bonds in a saturated fatty acid and therefore the molecule is straight (think of butter, bacon and other animal products). However, in monounsaturated fatty acids one double bond does exist in the molecular structure; it has two empty spaces where hydrogen could be. Therefore it is called monounsaturated. This causes the molecule to bend. In polyunsaturated fatty acids there are more than one double bonds in the molecular structure of the fatty acid. This means that the molecule will bend multiple times. When these fatty acids enter the bloodstream, the unsaturated fatty acids are more likely to be picked up by the bloodstream because of it's structure. However, a saturated fatty acids is straight and therefore stays in the artery as plague. When too much plague it decreases the diameter of the artery and therefore increases your blood pressure. Also when there is too much plague and a chunk of it breaks off, it can get stuck in a zone where the diameter of the blood vessel is smaller. No more blood can get through. When this happens in the region of the heart it is called a heart attack and when in the brain it is a stroke. Plague can also cause a coronary Heart disease.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids can be hydrogenated into cis and trans fatty acids. This means that the double bonds are eliminated or partially eliminated by adding hydrogen atoms. This straightens the fatty acid. These are called trans fatty acids. This is often done in food such as snacks and cakes.

So to summarize: Saturated fats are the 'wrong' fats and can cause Heart diseases and strokes, while unsaturated fatty acids are the good fats (omega-3, omega-6). You should Google the molecular structure of both and you will see the difference.

I hope this will help.

Answer 2

Both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats act to reduce the risk of Diabetes, and to control bad cholesterol levels in the blood, serving to lower one's risk of heart disease and stroke. They also give nutrients to build and maintain your body's cells. And they typically contribute vitamin E, a healthy antioxidant vitamin.

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