Saturated fats
Saturated fats
Saturated fats (pronunciation: /ˈsætʃəˌreɪtɪd fæts/) are a type of fat that are typically solid at room temperature. They are found in many animal products and some plant-based sources.
Etymology
The term "saturated" refers to the chemical structure of these fats. In a saturated fat, all the carbon atoms are saturated with hydrogen atoms, meaning they have no double bonds and are fully 'saturated' with hydrogen.
Types of Saturated Fats
There are several types of saturated fats, including:
- Lauric acid: Found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
- Myristic acid: Found in dairy products and coconut oil.
- Palmitic acid': Found in palm oil, meat, and dairy products.
- Stearic acid: Found in meat, cocoa butter, and shea butter.
Health Effects
Saturated fats have been linked to increased levels of LDL cholesterol (often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol), which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, not all saturated fats are the same, and some may have less harmful effects on health than others.
Dietary Sources
Common sources of saturated fats include:
- Meat: Particularly red meat and processed meats.
- Dairy products: Such as cheese, butter, and cream.
- Coconut oil and palm oil: These plant-based oils are high in saturated fats.
- Processed foods: Many processed foods contain high levels of saturated fats.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Saturated fats
- Wikipedia's article - Saturated fats
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