Fatty acids have been making the news recently, and the topic can be confusing. It is important to know about different kinds of fat in the diet, the effects research believes each to have on humans, and what this research means when it comes time to make food choices. To help clear up the confusion, we provide the following definitions of common terms. Fatty acids are basic units of fat molecules, arranged as chains of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Fats are mixtures of different fatty acids.
Essential fatty acids are not made by the body, but must be supplied by the diet. Monounsaturated fatty acids are missing one hydrogen pair on their chemical chain. Foods high in monounsaturated fatty acids are liquid at room temperature. Canola, nut, and olive oils are high in monounsaturated fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids or PUFAs are missing two or more hydrogen pairs on their chemical chains.