What types of fat are there?

The nature of the fat depends on the type of fatty acids that make up the triglycerides. All fats contain both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids but are usually described as 'saturated' or 'unsaturated' according to the proportion of fatty acids present. Saturated fats are generally solid at room temperature and tend to be animal fats. Unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and are usually vegetable fats - there are exceptions e.g. palm oil, a vegetable oil that contains a high percentage of saturated fatty acids.

Unsaturated                   Saturated

Sunflower oil                  Beef

Olive Oil                         Bacon

Rice Oil                          Cheese

Nuts                              Butter

Rapeseed Oil                  Biscuits

Oily fish - Sardines          Crisps