Can unsaturated fats become saturated?

  • Thread starter leopard
  • Start date
In summary, unsaturated fats are considered healthier than saturated fats and it is recommended to use oils like olive oil instead of butter when cooking. There is a concern that the heat from cooking can cause the unsaturated fats to become saturated by breaking the double bonds, but simply breaking the bonds is not enough. Adding hydrogen from the air or from the fish can also contribute to the conversion of unsaturated fats to saturated fats. However, it is not possible to see hydrogen in the air. It would have to be obtained from the fish, which could potentially result in reduced calories.
  • #1
leopard
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I know that unsaturated fats are healthier than saturated fats. It's therefore supposed to be better to use f. ex. olive oil than butter in food. When I fried some fish in olive oil yesterday, I thought: maybe the heat can cause the unsaturated fats to become saturated by breaking the double bonds? Is this possible?
 
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  • #2
Just breaking the bonds doesn't change unsaturated chain into saturated chain.
 
  • #3
And add some hydrogen from the air.
 
  • #4
leopard said:
And add some hydrogen from the air.

Have you seen hydrogen in the air?
 
  • #5
No. Add some H from the fish then.
 
  • #6
Like in leaving just fis?
 
  • #7
Yes.
 
  • #8
Must be "reduced" calories...(sorry)
 

1. Can unsaturated fats become saturated?

Yes, unsaturated fats can become saturated through a process called hydrogenation. This involves adding hydrogen atoms to unsaturated fats, which changes their chemical structure and makes them more saturated.

2. Why would unsaturated fats be hydrogenated?

Unsaturated fats are often hydrogenated to make them more solid and stable at room temperature. This can improve the texture and shelf life of foods, making them more appealing to consumers.

3. Are all unsaturated fats unhealthy?

No, not all unsaturated fats are unhealthy. In fact, some unsaturated fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, are essential for our health and have numerous benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving heart health.

4. Can consuming too much unsaturated fat be harmful?

Yes, consuming too much unsaturated fat, especially in the form of trans fats, can be harmful to our health. Trans fats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and should be avoided as much as possible.

5. How can I incorporate more unsaturated fats into my diet?

You can incorporate more unsaturated fats into your diet by choosing healthy sources such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish. You can also replace unhealthy saturated fats with healthier unsaturated fats in cooking and baking.

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