Fatty acids are made from carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Fatty acids are constructed from the chemical elements carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. Fatty acids can be divided into a carboxylic acid head groupâhence fatty acidâlinked to a long chain of carbon atoms. The bond between the carbon atoms stores a large amount of biochemical energy and is very stable, allowing fats to be an efficient long-term store of energy in your body.
Healthy Eating. Shortening is a solid fat that is derived either from plant or animal sources. Shortening derived from animals comes from lard, while those derived from plants undergo a process known as hydrogenation that changes the chemical composition and allows a normally liquid oil to remain a solid.
It is not appropriate to use oil unless shortening is to be used in a melted form, such as for frying. Olive oil is generally the best oil to substitute for shortening, as it is healthier than most. However, olive oil is not appropriate for baked goods which are sweet. In these cases, go with a different vegetable oil.Lard. Many shortenings are based on lard, so this makes a good substitution for shortening. When using lard as a substitute for shortening, use 2 tbsp less than 1 cup--this makes a Ã¢--cup for every 1 cup of shortening called. fort is not appropriate to use oil unless shortening is to be used in a melted form, such as for frying. Olive oil is generally the best oil to substitute for shortening, as it is healthier than most. However, olive oil is not appropriate for baked goods which are sweet. In these cases, go with a different vegetable oil.