What is the Difference Between Cis and Trans Fat?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between cis and trans fats lies in the position of the two hydrogen atoms located next to the carbon atoms where the double bond exists. Cis fatty acids have both hydrogen atoms on the same side, while trans fatty acids have the two hydrogen atoms on opposite sides.
Cis fats are generally beneficial and can promote good cholesterol, whereas trans fats are considered detrimental to health, lowering good cholesterol and increasing the level of bad cholesterol in the body. Cis fatty acids are more common in nature, while the majority of trans fats come from processed foods, such as hydrogenated oils. However, some natural trans fats do occur in meat and dairy products.
Key differences between cis and trans fats include:
- Health Effect: Cis fats are generally good for health unless consumed in unreasonably high quantities, while trans fats are detrimental to heart health and could cause cardiac problems.
- Occurrence: Cis fats occur naturally in foods, while the majority of trans fats come from processed foods, such as hydrogenated oils.
- Atom Arrangement: In cis fatty acids, both hydrogen atoms are located on the same side of the carbon atoms, while in trans fatty acids, the hydrogen atoms are located on opposite sides.
Trans fats may be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, and their production is a result of partial hydrogenation, a process used by the food industry to extend shelf life and make fats less prone to rancidity.
Comparative Table: Cis vs Trans Fat
The difference between cis and trans fats lies in the arrangement of atoms in the fat molecules. Here is a comparison between the two types of fats:
Property | Cis Fat | Trans Fat |
---|---|---|
Health Effect | Generally good for health unless consumed in unreasonably high quantities. | Detrimental — lowers good cholesterol and increases the level of bad cholesterol in the body. Harmful to heart health could cause cardiac death. |
Occurrence | Occurs naturally in plant-based oils, nuts, and seeds. | While some natural trans fats occur in meat and dairy products, the majority of trans fats come from processed foods (i.e., hydrogenated oils). |
Arrangement of Atoms | The chains of carbon atoms are on the same side of the double bond, resulting in a kink. | Hydrogen atoms are on the opposite side of the double bonds of the carbon chain, making the fat molecule straight. |
Melting Point | Usually low. Some cis fats are liquid at room temperature because cis molecules are loosely packed. | Trans fats have a higher melting point, making them more solid at room temperature. |
Trans fats are considered detrimental to health and are often found in processed foods, while cis fats are generally beneficial and occur naturally in plant-based oils, nuts, and seeds.
- Cis vs Trans Fatty Acids
- Trans Fat vs Saturated Fat
- Fat vs Saturated Fat
- Cis vs Trans Isomers
- Saturated vs Unsaturated Fats
- Fat vs Cholesterol
- Fatty Acids vs Triglycerides
- Monounsaturated vs Polyunsaturated Fats
- Cis vs Trans Cyclohexane
- Oil vs Fat
- Hydrogenated vs Partially Hydrogenated Oil
- Saturated vs Unsaturated Triglycerides
- Calories vs Fat Calories
- Cholesterol vs Triglycerides
- Saturated vs Unsaturated Fatty Acids
- Lipids vs Fats
- Omega 3 vs Omega 6 Fatty Acids
- Margarine vs Shortening
- Carbohydrates vs Fats