Esters of fatty acids and glycerol are called fat solute. It is composed of three molecules of fatty acid and one molecule of glycerol. Hence it is called triglyceride. Excess triglycerides cause atherosclerosis, a disease that causes heart attacks and strokes. Triglycerides are divided into two parts.
(i) Oils: Triglycerides which are composed of unsaturated fatty acids and are liquid at normal temperature (200C) are called oils. Their melting point is very low, 50C. close to Vegetable fats and palm oil have high melting points. Coconut oil coagulates at low temperatures.
(ii) Fats: Those composed of triglycerides containing saturated fatty acids and solid at normal temperature (20°C) are called fats. Their melting point is high, 70 0C. close to Such as fish oil, butter, ghee, coconut oil, animal fat, olive oil, palm oil and chocolate.
Function: Fruits and seeds of plants contain oils and fats as stored food. During germination, oils and fats are converted into carbohydrates and provide food for the growing embryo.