Saturated Fat is usually solid or almost solid at room temperature. All animal fats, such as those in meat, poultry, and dairy products are saturated. Processed and fast foods are also saturated. Vegetable oils also can be saturated. Palm, palm kernel and coconut oil are saturated vegetable oils. (Fats containing mostly unsaturated fat can be more saturated through a process called “hydrogenation”.
Saturated fats are very unhealthy fats. They make the body produce more cholesterol, which may raise blood cholesterol levels. Excess saturated fat is related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The amount of cholesterol found in foods is not as important as the amount on saturated fat. Of all the fats, saturated fat is the most potent determinant of blood cholesterol levels. Saturated fat stimulates the production of LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) and therefore increases blood cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. Saturated fat raises cholesterol levels and LDL-cholesterol levels more than dietary cholesterol itself.
