Which type of fat is characterized by all carbon atoms being fully saturated with hydrogen?

Saturated fats are characterized by their chemical structure, which includes carbon atoms that are fully saturated with hydrogen atoms. This means that each carbon atom in the fatty acid chain is bonded to as many hydrogen atoms as possible, resulting in no double bonds between carbon atoms. This structure contributes to the solid state of saturated fats at room temperature, commonly found in animal products like butter and cheese, as well as some plant oils like coconut oil.

In contrast, unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds between carbon atoms, which prevents them from being fully saturated with hydrogen. This structural difference leads to various health implications and physical characteristics, such as being liquid at room temperature. Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that has been artificially altered to improve shelf life and stability, while polyunsaturated fats contain multiple double bonds in their structure. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for navigating dietary choices related to fats.