Difference between Fats and Oils

Fats vs Oils

Fats and oils are the vital macronutrients that are found in the body of an organism. Both these are made up of four parts in which one part, known as glycerol, is attached to parts other three, referred to as fatty acids. Individual fatty acids can be further classified into two types: saturated and unsaturated molecules. The combination of fatty acids determines a food chain to be saturated or unsaturated. When it comes to the main difference between fats and oils, it all depends on their composition. On the one hand, Fats are composed of high amounts of saturated fatty acids, which at room temperature can take a solid form. On the other hand, Oils are composed of unsaturated acids, which at room temperature can take a liquid form. To know the difference between fats and oils in detail, it is better to know what fats and oils are.

Fats

Fats are oily substances formed under the skin or around the organs of an animal’s body. Fats are considered good for gaining weight as they are high in energy. Ideally, it can be said that fats are animal-driven. Fats are compounds composed of saturated molecules, and these are soluble in organic solvents but often insoluble in water. When stored at room temperature, these are in the solid room. Adipocytes are the specialised cells found in an animal’s body, the main function of which is to store fat in the body. You can also find some fats in the liver of an animal.

Types of Fats

There are two main types of fats- saturated fat and trans fat.

• Dairy products like cheese, butter, cream, etc., contain saturated fats
• However, when it comes to trans fat, it is a type of unsaturated fat occurring naturally in animal meat and dairy products in low quantities
• The Trans fat is mostly composed of partial hydrogenation of the vegetable oils
• Now that Trans fat increases LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and reduces the HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels in the blood, it is considered the risk factor for multiple cardiovascular diseases

Oils

Oils are viscous liquids composed of unsaturated molecules and are found in the fruits or seeds of plants. Now that oils are made of unsaturated fatty acids, these exist in a liquid form at room temperature.

Types of unsaturated fats (oils)

Unsaturated fatty acids can be further classified into two types- monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.

• Vegetable oils and avocado are two main sources of monounsaturated fats
• Consuming food items having monounsaturated fats aid in increasing the good HDL cholesterol and reducing the Bad LDL cholesterol, making the same a better source for controlling the cholesterol level
• Polyunsaturated fat is mostly found in multiple oils like corn, soybean, sunflower, and seafood
• Polyunsaturated fats are further classified into two types- Omega 3 and Omega 6

Difference between fats and oils in the tabular form

Here explained is the difference between fats and oils in the tabular form:

Basis of Difference	Fats	Oils
Definition	Fats are oily substances composed of saturated fatty acids and are found under the skin or around the organs of an animal boy.	Oils are viscous liquids composed of unsaturated fatty acids found in the fruits or seeds of plants.
Occurrence	Fats occur in solid form at room temperature.	Oils occur in the liquid form at room temperature.
Types	Fats are of two types- saturated and trans fats.	Oils are of two types- monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils.
Source	Fats are mostly derived from the body of an animal.	Oils are mostly derived from plants.
Effect on the body	Fats increase LDL and reduce HDL, causing increased cholesterol levels.	Oils increase good HDL and reduce bad LDL causing balanced cholesterol levels.
Origin	An individual can procure fats from animals and vegetable oil by hydrogenation.	Oils are originated from plants or fish.
Solubility	Fats can’t dissolve with water.	Oils also do not dissolve with water.
Cardiovascular diseases	Fats are responsible for increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.	Oils are not responsible for increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Oxidative rancidity	Oxidative rancidity is high in fats.	Oxidative rancidity is low in fats.
Main storage unit	Fats are stored in the adipocytes, specialized cells found in an animal body.	Fat granules in plants are the main storage unit for oils.
Examples	Dairy products like butter, cream, full-fat milk, etc.	Vegetable oil like sunflower oil, olive oil, etc.

Conclusion

Fats and oils, made up of chains of fatty acids, are two types of vital macronutrients found in the body of animals and plants, respectively. Saturated fatty acids are the main components used to compose the fats, and oils are composed of unsaturated fatty acids. When it comes to the main difference between these two, it depends on their degree of saturation. This article will guide you through different factors differentiating fats and oils from each other.

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