Saturated lipids

Definition

Saturated lipids are a type of lipid molecule that contains no double bonds between the carbon atoms in their hydrocarbon chains. They are called 'saturated' because each carbon atom is bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible.

Related terms

Unsaturated lipids: Lipids that contain one or more double bonds in their hydrocarbon chains.

Fatty acids: Building blocks of lipids consisting of long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl group at one end.

Trans fats: Artificially produced unsaturated fats that have hydrogen atoms on opposite sides of the double bond, leading to increased health risks.