Final answer:
Saturated fat, mainly found in animal products, is solid at room temperature and can raise blood cholesterol levels, leading to heart disease. Unsaturated fats, mostly from plants, are considered healthier and include essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6.
Step-by-step explanation:
A type of fat that comes mainly from animal sources of food is known as saturated fat. These fats are found in products like meat, dairy (such as whole milk, butter, and cheese), and eggs. Saturated fats have chains of carbon atoms that are fully saturated with hydrogen atoms, making them solid at room temperature.
They are different from unsaturated fats, which are primarily found in plant sources like soybean, corn, and olive oils. Consuming high amounts of saturated fat can increase cholesterol levels in the blood, which may lead to heart disease.
On the other hand, unsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are considered healthier and are essential for the body as they can not be synthesized internally. Therefore, while fats play an essential role in providing energy and supporting cell function, it is important to have a balanced intake of saturated and unsaturated fats.