What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fat?

Saturated fats have carbon chains where every carbon atom is bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms, meaning no double bonds exist between carbons. This structure makes them solid at room temperature. They are found mainly in animal products like butter, cheese, and red meat. Unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds between carbon atoms, which reduces the number of hydrogen atoms attached. This creates kinks in the molecular chain, keeping them liquid at room temperature. They are found in plant oils, nuts, and fish. Unsaturated fats are generally considered healthier because they can improve cholesterol levels, while excessive saturated fat intake is linked to increased risk of heart disease.