Updated August 07, 2015.
Definition: A molecule made up of a chain of carbon atoms linked to hydrogen atoms, with an acid group at the end. Fatty acids can be short (4 to 7 carbons in length), medium (8 to 12 carbons in length), or long (more than 12 carbons long).
Fatty acids can also be saturated or unsaturated. A saturated fatty acid has no double bonds between any carbon molecules in the chain.
Monounsaturated fatty acids have one double bond somewhere in the chain.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids have two double bonds in the carbon chain.
Fats (both in the diet and your body) are made up of fatty acids and glycerol.
Definition: A molecule made up of a chain of carbon atoms linked to hydrogen atoms, with an acid group at the end. Fatty acids can be short (4 to 7 carbons in length), medium (8 to 12 carbons in length), or long (more than 12 carbons long).
Fatty acids can also be saturated or unsaturated. A saturated fatty acid has no double bonds between any carbon molecules in the chain.
Monounsaturated fatty acids have one double bond somewhere in the chain.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids have two double bonds in the carbon chain.
Fats (both in the diet and your body) are made up of fatty acids and glycerol.
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