Fats (3)

Question 1

What is a fat molecule made out of

Answer 1

Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen ->
3 fatty acid are bonded to 1 glycerol to form a fat molecule

Question 2

Digestion of fats

Answer 2

Takes place primarily in the small intestine.
Glycerol and fatty acids are the end products.

Question 3

Saturated fats (Define & Example)

Answer 3

Saturated fats consist mostly of saturated fatty acids which do not contain any double bonds within the hydrocarbon chain, and therefore cannot take in any more hydrogen atoms.

Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperature.

Butter, palm oil and coconut oil

Question 4

Unsaturated fats (Define & Example)

Answer 4

Monounsaturated fats
Monounsaturated fats consists mostly of monounsaturated fatty acids. They contain one double bond within the hydrocarbon chain that can take in two hydrogen atoms.

Monounsaturated fats are usually in liquid sate at room temperatures

Avocado, almonds and peanut oil

Polyunsaturated fats
Polyunsaturated fats consist mostly of polyunsaturated fatty acids. They contain two or more double bonds within the hydrocarbon chain that can take in four more hydrogen atoms.

Polyunsaturated fats are unusually in liquid state at room temperatures.

Corn oil, sunflower seeds, salmon and tuna

Question 5

Differences between saturated and unsaturated fats

Answer 5

1. Saturated fats are mostly from animal sources but unsaturated fats are usually from plant sources
2. Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperature but unsaturated fats are usually liquid at room temperature
3. Saturated fats increase the risk of heart diseases but unsaturated fats reduce the risk of heart diseases

Question 6

Trans fat (Define & Example)
Define hydrogenation

Answer 6

Trans fat contain fatty acid that are produced during the hydrogenation of vegetable oils

Hydrogenation is an industrial process in which liquid oils are converted to solid fats (more saturated).

Chicken nuggets, margarine and vegetable shortening

Question 7

Functions of fat

Answer 7

1. Fats are rich source of energy for the body (9kcal)
2. Fats in the body dissolve and store fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) thus improving the absorption and use of these vitamins
3. The layer of fat under the skin reduces heat loss from the body, thus insulating the body against the cold
4. Vital organs in the body are protected by fat deposits. These fat deposits protect the body by cushioning the vital organs such as lungs against impact and damaging bones