Fatty acids are important building blocks of fats in our bodies and in the foods we eat. They are long chains of carbon atoms, and they can be saturated or unsaturated. Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds. These differences affect their properties and how they impact our health.
In our diet, fatty acids play a crucial role in providing energy and supporting cell function. They are found in various foods, such as olive oil, nuts, and fish. Some fatty acids, like omega-3 fatty acids, are essential, meaning our bodies cannot produce them, so we must obtain them from our diet.