Understanding Fats and Oils

Label the main components of a triglyceride diagram.

• Glycerin

• Glycerol, Fatty Acid 1, Fatty Acid 2, Fatty Acid 3

• Triglycerol

• Fatty Acid 4

What is the structural difference between fats and oils?

• Fats and oils have the same structure but differ in temperature.

• Fats are always liquid and oils are solid.

• Fats are solid and contain more saturated fatty acids; oils are liquid and contain more unsaturated fatty acids.

• Fats contain no fatty acids while oils contain only saturated fatty acids.

Classify butter as saturated, unsaturated, essential, or trans fat.

• saturated fat

• monounsaturated fat

• trans fat

• essential fat

Identify an example of an unsaturated fat.

• Butter

• Lard

• Olive oil

• Coconut oil

What are essential fats and why are they important?

• Essential fats are necessary for overall health and well-being, supporting brain function, cell structure, and hormone production.

• Essential fats are not necessary for hormone production.

• Essential fats can be completely replaced by carbohydrates.

• Essential fats are only found in animal products.

List three dietary sources of saturated fats.

• lean poultry

• olive oil

• butter, fatty cuts of meat, coconut oil

• avocado

What is a primary characteristic of trans fats?

• Trans fats are low in calories.

• Trans fats have a trans configuration in their chemical structure.

• Trans fats have a cis configuration in their chemical structure.

• Trans fats are naturally occurring in fruits.

Name a food that is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

• Chicken

• Broccoli

• Rice

• Salmon

How do the melting points of fats compare to oils?

• Fats have higher melting points than oils.

• Fats have lower melting points than oils.

• Oils have higher melting points than fats.

• Fats and oils have the same melting points.

Explain why some fats are considered healthier than others.

• All fats are equally healthy.

• Saturated fats are better than unsaturated fats.

• Trans fats are essential for a balanced diet.

• Unsaturated fats are healthier than saturated and trans fats.