Principles of Food Science
Unsaturated fatty acids are fatty acids that contain one or more double bonds in their hydrocarbon chain, which causes kinks that prevent them from packing tightly together. This structural feature makes them typically liquid at room temperature and contributes to their health benefits, as they are known to lower bad cholesterol levels and provide essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce. Their presence in lipids is crucial for understanding processes like lipid oxidation and the role of antioxidants.
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