Monounsaturated vs. Polyunsaturated vs. Saturated Fat: What Are They?

Posted by Hannah Broaddus

 

Did you know that your oil is made up of a few different types of fats — some of which are regarded as healthy and some of which are not?

nutritional facts for productsThere are 3 common types of fat. The most common example is saturated fat: on a nutrition label, this specific type is listed as a subcategory below total fat on the nutrition label.

Though they’re not often mentioned, there are 2 more subtypes that could be listed in the same area: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These are the types of fats that most people in the oils business take notice of, because they are what is considered “good fat”. On the flip side, saturated fat is commonly considered to be the “bad fat”. (Trans fat seems to be in it’s own category, a widely known bad type of fat that is artificially created through partial-hydrogenation).

By looking at the different types of fat and the ratios of each within an oil, you can determine which ones are healthier and which ones you should limit. This differentiation of “good fats” vs. “bad fats” is how dietitians can make the recommendation that olive oil (high in monounsaturated fat) is healthier than cottonseed oil (higher in saturated fat), for example. 

Before we go any further, let’s review. In each type of oil, there will be different ratios of each of these types of fat:

  • Monounsaturated Fat (Healthiest)
  • Polyunsaturated Fat (Healthier)
  • Saturated Fat (Keep To A Minimum)
  • Trans Fat (sometimes) (Unhealthy)

 

 

Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated Fats

are monounsaturated fats good fats

Monosaturated fats (also known as omega-9s) are fatty acids with one double bond in the fatty acid chain. This creates an L shaped bend in the molecule, which is what makes these fats liquid at room temperature.

Polyunsaturated fats (also known as omega-3s and omega-6s) are fatty acids with more than one double bond in the fatty acid chain. This bends the chain, making these fats also liquid at room temperature.

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are healthy types of fat that have numerous health benefits, including:

  • Prevent coronary heart disease
  • Prevent stroke
  • Prevent diabetes
  • Promote healthy nerve activity
  • Improve vitamin absorption
  • Maintain a healthy immune system
  • Promote cell development


Monounsaturated fat is typically considered to be slightly healthier than polyunsaturated.

Oils like olive oil, canola oil and sunflower oil are made up of different percentages of primarily mono- and poly-unsaturated fats. This is why these oils are considered some of the healthiest options available today.

 

 

Saturated and Trans Fats

On the other hand, saturated fats are considered to be unhealthier than their mono- and poly-unsaturated counterparts.

Saturated fats are fatty acids that have no double bonds. This creates a straight fatty acid chain which is solid at room temperature. With today’s interest in organic coconut oil, saturated fat is a highly debated topic. The advice still recommended by most nutritionists is that saturated fats should be limited.

Trans fats are in their own category, because they don’t occur naturally in oils in high numbers. When you do see them, it’s typically because the oil has been partially hydrogenated, a process by which a liquid oil like soybean oil is made solid by changing the bond structure. Trans fats are a fatty acid with one double bond that creates a kink in the fatty acid chain.

Trans fats are predominantly found in processed foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), and are widely considered to be unhealthy. They should be avoided as much as possible. In fact, the FDA recently released a statement requiring that all food manufacturers swap out any PHOs they may be using to other healthier options within the next 3 years. 

 


Compare The Types Of Oil

Use this chart to compare the average make ups of different oils between monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fats. 

oil fat comparison chart

 

Topics: Comparing Oils

 

 

Related Articles

Download The eBook - All About Olive Oil

Enter your email below to get commodity market updates & cost-saving tips for procurement professionals.

Comments


 

 

 

 


Buy & Ship Direct From Our Online Store

Select an item below to see live pricing (LTL quotes included at checkout).

 
 

 

Now you can order direct from our website, without ever talking to a salesperson.  We've created this new industry-leading online storefront which makes the bulk oil buying process so much easier!

  • See live price quotes for oils online
  • Shipping costs are auto-calculated at checkout
  • Buy single drums, partial pallets or full pallets
  • Pay with a credit card
  • Ships from Centra Foods within 1-3 business days

     

     

SHOP NOW