FATTY ACIDS

 

 

Fatty Acid in Bread: Oleic acid
Fatty Acid in Ice Cream: Triglycerides

Fatty acids have been categorised into 3 groups: unsaturated, saturated and trans-saturated, the last category being the worst. Trans-fats occur naturally but also increase in amounts by certain food processing like deep frying.

 

Triglycerides are fatty acids found in ice-cream which are broken down inside the human body by the enzyme lipase to form first diglycerides and then monoglycerides.

 

 

Emulsions occur when two substances that do not naturally mix together are forced together by applying a form of energy to create a new mixture. Ice cream is also an emulsion as it is made of egg yolk which contains lecithin , where water molecules are asked to bind to fatty molecules.

 

 

 

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid found naturally in many plant sources and animal products. Oleic acid has the molecular formula C₁₈H₃₄O₂ and is usually found trapped in triglycerides.
It is an omega-9 fatty acid, and as such is considered one of the healthier sources of fat in the diet.
It can lower total cholesterol levels by raising blood concentrations of high-density lipoproteins while reducing low-density lipoproteins, also known as the “bad” cholesterol. It has been shown to slow the development of heart disease and also promotes the production of antioxidants, elements that can help trap harmful free radicals in the body.

 

Sources: http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-oleic-acid.htm
               http://giapo.com/2013/04/mono-and-diglicerides/