Which type of fat is characterized by having one double bond?

Mono-unsaturated fat is characterized by having one double bond in its fatty acid chain. This structural feature is significant because it affects both the physical properties and health benefits of the fat. Mono-unsaturated fats are typically liquid at room temperature and can be found in various healthy food sources such as olive oil, avocados, and certain nuts.

The presence of a single double bond allows mono-unsaturated fats to be more flexible than saturated fats, which have no double bonds and are solid at room temperature. This flexibility contributes to their beneficial effects on heart health, as they can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.

In contrast, saturated fats contain no double bonds at all, trans fats have been chemically altered and pose various health risks, and poly-unsaturated fats contain multiple double bonds. Understanding these types of fats is essential for making informed dietary choices and promoting overall health.