The characteristics of fats are determined by the fatty acids they contain. Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds within the fatty acid chain. Most saturated fats come from animal products, like dairy, meat, and poultry. They can also be found in most fried foods and some prepackaged foods.
Saturated fat can lead to increased LDL cholesterol levels, and elevated plasma cholesterol levels have been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
The saturated fat found food that is primarily composed of triglycerides containing palmitic and stearic acids. Over 90% of fatty acids found in the standard American diet are either palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1), or linoleic acid (18:2).
What foods and beverages are higher in saturated fats?
• Meats higher in fat, like beef ribs, sausage, and some processed meats
• Higher-fat dairy, like regular-fat cheeses and whole or 2% milk
• Butter, stick margarine, cream, and cream cheese
• Some tropical oils, like coconut and palm kernel oil
• Cakes, cookies, and some snack foods
Cereals and cereal products (mainly biscuits, buns, cakes, pastries and fruit pies), milk and milk products (mainly cheese and milk), and meat and meat products were the main contributors to saturated fat intake in all age groups.
Dishes with many ingredients — like pizza, casseroles, burgers, tacos, and sandwiches — tend to have ingredients that are high in saturated fats.
In saturated fats, there are no double bonds, so the fatty acids are straight, compact, and rigid molecules that are able to pack tightly next to each other to form a solid.
Dietary fat: Saturated fat
