What are fats?

Fats are natural organic triglycerides composed of three molecules of fatty acids and one molecule of glycerol. Triglycerides are the main food lipids. Fats are stored in the body as adipose tissue. Fats are lighter than water and are water insoluble. However, fats are soluble in organic solvents. In the pure state, fats do not possess any taste, color, or odor. Examples of pure fats are palmitin, stearin, and olein. Fats in adipose tissue are mixtures of several pure fats and free fatty acids in different proportions, which determine their properties. Fats may be saturated or unsaturated. Saturated fats are usually more stable and are solid at room temperature. People consume fats getting them from food. Some natural fats, such as butter and lard, may be used in food almost without preparation. Fats are extracted from animal tissue by boiling in water with subsequent cooling and skimming.