Context
The Supreme Court criticised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister for making allegations about the use of animal fat to prepare the Laddu prasadam at Tirumala Tirupati Temple.
About Animal Fats
- Animal fat is a type of lipid derived from animals.
- It is solid at room temperature
- Composed primarily of triglycerides.
- While fats and oils share a similar chemical structure, oils are liquid at room temperature.
- Oil is extracted from rendered tissue fats of livestock such as pigs, chickens, and cows.
- Dairy products provide animal fat and oil products like butter.
- Types of Animal Fat
- Lard: Derived from pork fat, lard is often used in baking and frying.
- Tallow: Extracted from beef fat, tallow is used in various industrial applications, including soap making and candle production.
- Goose or duck fat: These fats are prized for their high smoke point and are often used for cooking
- Smoke Point:
- It is the temperature at which a cooking oil or fat starts to break down and smoke.
- Some fats, like goose fat, have a higher smoke point than other animal fats but lower than many vegetable oils (e.g., olive, avocado).
- Often used as a filler in factory-produced meat, pet food, and fast-food products.
Difference between Saturated and Unsaturated Fats
| Aspect | Saturated Fats | Unsaturated Fats |
| Chemical Structure | No double bonds between carbon atoms; saturated with hydrogen. | One or more double bonds between carbon atoms. |
| Physical State at Room Temperature | Solid (e.g., butter, lard). | Liquid (e.g., olive oil, sunflower oil). |
| Sources | Animal fats (e.g., meat, dairy), some plant oils (e.g., coconut oil, palm oil). | Plant-based oils (e.g., olive oil, sunflower oil), fish oil, nuts, seeds. |
| Effect on Health | Can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. | Can help lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol. |
| Examples | Butter, lard, cheese, fatty cuts of meat. | Olive oil, avocado oil, nuts, seeds, fish. |
| Types | Only one type: Saturated fats. | Two types: Monounsaturated fats and Polyunsaturated fats. |
| Recommended Intake | Should be consumed in moderation due to health risks. | Generally recommended in a healthy diet. |
Source:
IE
Previous Year Question
A company marketing food products, advertises that its items do not contain trans-fats. What does this campaign signify to the customers?
1. The food products are not made out of hydrogenated oils.
2. The food products are not made out of animal fats.
3. The oils used are not likely to damage the cardiovascular health of consumers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
