difference between monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats?

Question

can someone tell me the difference?

and how these fats will affect the long lasting factor/hardness in soaps?

thanks.

Answer 1

Fat is 3 fatty acids linked to glycerin
Mono unsaturated fats contain one C=C double bond in the hydrocarbon chain of the fatty acid molecule; polyunsaturated fats contain 2 or more C=C double bonds in the hydrocarbon chain. Generally, for making soap, they use saturated fats because the unsaturated ones graduallly react with oxygen in the air and get rancid. I think the unsaturated fats typically have lower melting points that the corresponding sarurated fats, so I would expect that soap would be of softer consistency if made with unasturated fats.

Answer 2

The best fat sources come from the essential fatty acids. Omega 6's and Omega 3's. Most of us get plenty of Omega-6s from cooking oils. But i always supplement with Evening Primrose Oil. Omega-3's are harder to get. I always recommend Whole Omega-3 eggs, Fatty fish like salmon, swordfish, tuna and mackerel. or capsules. Almonds and Cashews have some Omega 3's (as well as Omega 6s) You can get your Monosaturates (Omega 9's) from Extra virgin olive oil and macademia nut oil. they aren't essential but they are great for the metabolism! They are also a great source of energy and they are extremely good for your heart! Hope i've helped. good luck!