Indeed, saturated fats contain molecules of hydrogen. And this is what makes them faily stable at room temperature. However, they still absorb sulphur compounds and also oxygenate. They then are unfit to eat, or smell. They become rancid.
Hydorginated fats are known as transfats. They have had extra hydrogen atoms added to the poly-unsaturated fats. The polyunsaturated versions are not stable and quickly go rancid in the presence of oxygen. They also are liquid at room temp. When the hydrogen atom is added, it fills in the "holes" and so make it so the fat molecule is stable and unable to absorb sulphur compounds. They are also solid at room temperature. Actually the state is reffered to as plastic in the scientific world. It's somewhere between a solid and liquid. The problem with these fats is they lack the nutritional value of animal fats (yes there are nutrional pluses to animal fats), but have all of the bad effects. They are truly the least healthy of the fats.
Mono-unsaturates help reduce the LDL (low-density-lippo-protien) cholesterol, the stuff that damages the circulatory system, and increases the HDL (high-desity-lippo-protien) that is actually good for the body. Also, some animal fats, such as fish oil, contain omega-3 fatty acids. These are required for proper brain growth (important for developing fetus and small children) and and maintenance of the brain (essential for all of us). Also, some nutrients, especially vitamins such as vitamin-E can only be obtained through fat, as it is a fat soluble vitamin. There are a host of other nutrients that are obtained through fats as well. The key is moderation. The fats in walnuts and flax seed contain omega-3 as well. But again, in moderation. Fats of any kind are high in calories. They can lead to obesity, and a host of other problems when too much is consumed.
From best to worst:
Olive and Avocado oil
nut oils (especially walnut, brazil nut)
other nut oils
seed oils (sunflower, safflower)
Canola (rapeseed, but this one is controversial. some say it's amazing
while others condem it as worse than animal fats)
Vegetable oils - corn oil, soybean oil, etc.
Coconut oil, cocoa butter, etc.
Animal FAts - lard, butter, etc.
Trans-fats - usually vegetable oil that has been hydrogenated.
That about sums it up. There is a wealth of info on the internet and at your public library. Another great source si your nearby nutritionist. Great people those nutritionists.
Seeeeeya; Goodweed of the North
