Difference Between Fats and Oils

Introduction

Both Fats and Oils are a source of macronutrients and are the storage form of energy in the body. These fats and oil are a group of chemical compounds composed of fatty acids. These fatty acids are the building block of fat, and during digestion, the body releases or breaks down fats into fatty acids. It then flows into the bloodstream and is produced in the form of energy. The fatty acids are composed of three molecules joined together to form a triglyceride. All fatty acids are molecules of long-chain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.

There are three types of fatty acids - saturated, unsaturated (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), and trans-fats. All these three types have different molecular structures and behave differently. However, all fatty acid molecules are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. But the nature of bonding is different. A saturated fatty acid is where all carbon atoms are bonded with a single bond to carbon and hydrogen atoms except for the functional group (carboxyl group). It is therefore known as saturated fatty acids.

The fatty acids where one pair of hydrogen atoms is missing from the middle of the molecule and forming a double bond. This double bond between carbon atoms is called unsaturation, and the fatty acid is said to be unsaturated fatty acids.

Trans-fats are those fatty acids where hydrogen bonds are present on the opposite sides of the chain of carbon-carbon double bonds. The presence of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids majorly helps determine whether a good or bad diet.

What are Fats?

Fats are those fatty acids that are solid at room temperature. It is mainly composed of foods like cheese, butter, red meat, coconut oils, and palm oils. The sources of such fats are present in animal products and tropical oils. They are mainly composed of two types- saturated fats and trans fats. As a source of energy, it is also considered one of the unhealthy fats. The reason is that more saturated fat in the diet may lead to cholesterol or LDL (low-density lipoprotein) in the blood, which may increase the risk of heart diseases such as stroke.

What is the function of fats?

Limited intake of fats is preferred as it serves various functions like −

Components	Functions
Storing energy	Fat molecules are long-term energy reserves and store large amounts of energy in a reduced space. These are saturated and stable molecules that are tightly packed without water.
Protect vital organs	Visceral fat in tissues protects organs - the liver, heart, and kidneys.
Maintaining nerve impulse transmission	Lipids or fat help in brain activity, like insulating neurons, and transmitting the signalling of electrical impulses throughout the brain.
Transport fat-soluble vitamins	Vitamin A, E, D, and K are carried to the digestive process and improve their intestinal absorption.
Contributed to taste and smell	It contains dissolved compounds that give aroma, and mouth-watering flavours and satisfies the appetite.
Under the skin serves as an insulation	The presence of subcutaneous fat in tissues (thighs and buttocks) acts as a cushion that insulates the body from extreme temperatures and maintains the internal climate under control.

What are Oils?

Oils are those fatty acids that are liquid at room temperatures, like peanut oil, olive oil, almond oils, canola oil, soybean oil, non-hydrogenated margarine, pistachios oil, cashew oils, and vegetable oils. The sources of these oils are mainly plants and fish. These are considered unsaturated fats. It provides vital nutrients such as vitamin E. Only coconut oil is an exception that has a low amount of unsaturated acids.

What are the functions of oils

Various functions include-

Components	Functions
Regulates Heart health	It is a unique fatty acid that helps lower the chances of suffering from heart ailments.
Lower cholesterol levels	The presence of fatty acids like omega 6 and omega 3, helps in lowering fatness.
Lower erucic acid	The use of soybean oil helps in reducing erucic acid.
Enhances flavours	Edible cooking oil such as olive oil, peanut oil, and soybean oil are not just healthy oil but also serves good taste in food with aroma.
Relieves menopausal symptoms	Vegetable oil, like rice bran, helps majorly deal with hormonal swings during menopause.
Acts as moisture	This can be applied to cracked feet and skin, and the application of coconut oil helps in softening cracked feet.
Loaded with vitamins	Vitamins like A, D, E, and K are present in these unsaturated fatty acids which serve numerous health benefits.
Conducting heat	It helps in producing a good amount of heat while cooking.

Differences Between Fats and Oils

Fats	Oils
Fats are waxy or semi-solid substances at room temperature. They are produced from animals and tropical oils.	Oils are viscous liquids that are present in seeds or fruits of plants.
Presence of saturated fatty acids. Single bonded carbon and hydrogen bonds.	The presence of saturated fat. Double bonds between carbon and hydrogen atoms.
Increases the levels of cholesterol in the blood.	Lower the cholesterol level in the blood.
Oxidative rancidity is high.	Oxidative rancidity is low.
Fat is present in specialized animal cells called adipocytes.	Stored in fat granules in plants.
Has a high melting point.	Has a low melting point.
Molecules are more stable.	Molecules are less stable.
Increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.	Lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Examples: Butter, cream, meat	Examples: corn oil and soybean oil.

Conclusion

Fats and oils contribute to sufficient nutrition and energy source for the body. They produce essential fatty acids that insulate and protect the body's organs (kidney, liver, and heart) and absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, E, D, and K. These fatty acids comprise saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Fats with saturated fatty acids are more stable, tightly packed molecules, and difficult to digest by the body. Therefore, it is preferred to use them in a limited range. However, oil is an unsaturated fatty acid that is unstable, easy to digest, and considered a good and healthy diet.

FAQs

1. Are saturated fatty acids harder to break down?

Saturated fat is stable molecules that are tightly packed. Therefore, it is difficult for our body to break these stable molecules. They also have high melting points.

2. What happens if you eat too many fatty foods?

A large intake of fat makes you overweight. Also, stable or saturated fat can raise cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. That's why it's necessary to cut down on fat.

3. What is the function of oil in food?

It is used in frying food as it serves as a heat transfer medium and contributes flavour and texture to foods.

4. Why are fat and oils needed for living things?

These fatty acids and lipids are energy producers that insulate various body organs and transport fat-soluble vitamins through the blood.

5. How does fat regulate temperature?

One type of fat present in the body, that is, brown fat or brown adipose tissue, is activated when we get cold. The presence of brown fat decomposes the glucose (blood sugar) and molecules of fats to create heat and maintain the body temperature in cold conditions.