Plant Oils Flashcards
why are vegetable oils important in our diets
they have a high energy content
why are unsaturated fats good in our diet
they lower cholesterol levels
what is an emulsifier
a substance which allows two normally immiscible liquids eg. oil and water to mix together.
why do emulsifiers work
the emulsifier molecule has a water loving end (hydrophilic) and a water hating end (hydrophobic)
give an example of an emulsifier
egg yolk is used to keep mayonnaise mixed together
how can we make plant oils more saturated
hardening them by adding more hydrogen
why do we harden plant oils
to turn liquid oils into solids eg margarines
what are the conditions needed for hardening plant oils
60 degrees, hydrogen gas and a nickel catalyst
two methods of extracting plant oils
- pressing
- steaming
