What is a characteristic of unsaturated fats?

Unsaturated fats are characterized by their chemical structure, which includes one or more double bonds between carbon atoms. This configuration prevents the fat molecules from packing closely together, which is why they tend to remain liquid at room temperature. This is in contrast to saturated fats, which have no double bonds and are usually solid at room temperature due to their tightly packed molecular structure.

Unsaturated fats are often found in plant-based oils, nuts, and fish, further distinguishing them from saturated fats that are more commonly derived from animal sources. Additionally, unsaturated fats do not contain a high level of saturated fats; in fact, they are recognized for being a healthier fat choice that can contribute to heart health when consumed in moderation.