Diffference between fats and oils

Difference between fats and oils

Fats & oils- both are simple lipids. They  are made up of molecules known as triglycerides, which are esters consisting of three fatty acid units connected to glycerol.

However, they possess some distinctive properties. Let us discuss about the differences between fats and oils-

 

Definition :

Fats : Triglycerides that are solid at room Temperature

Oils :  Triglycerides that are liquid at room Temperature

Composition : 

Fats :  Mainly composed of SFA

Oils :   Mainly composed of USFA

Chemistry :

Fats : Contain no double bonds, molecules pack together in a tightly regular pattern

Oils :  Contain double bonds, molecules pack together in an irregular pattern

Boiling & melting point :

Fats : High boiling point & low melting point

Oils :  Relatively low boiling point & low melting point

Sources :

Mainly originates from animal sources. e.g. butter, cream, fish, meat, egg, yolk

Mainly originates from plant sources. e.g. clove oil, cottonseed oil, mustard oil

Storage :

Fats : Stored in adipose tissues of liver

Oils :  Stored in seeds & fruits of plants

Physiological role :

Fats : Increase cholesterol level & risk of cardiovascular disease development

Oils :  Improve cholesterol level

Rancidification :

Fats : Oxidative rancidity is high 

Oils :  Oxidative rancidity is low