Definition of Saturated Fat

Saturated fats are a type of fat found in food that have consistently been negatively associated with health problems.

Identification

• Saturated fat is a type of fat which is literally saturated with hydrogen. This means that unlike unsaturated fats which remain fluid, saturated fats bulk up and congeal at cool temperatures.

Types

• There are four types of saturated fatty acids. These types are lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and steraric acid. The number of carbon atoms in a saturated fat will determine the type of saturated fatty acid.

Effects

• Saturated fats have long been associated with cardiovascular disease. The congealing property that is found in saturated fats makes them more likely to clot in the veins and arteries, leading to either heart attacks or strokes. These diseases are much more common in people who eat diets high in saturated fats. Considerable research has also linked breast and prostate cancer to consumption of saturated fats.

Considerations

• Saturated fats are found in many foods. These include meats, many types of oils, butter and cheeses.

Expert Insight

• The American Heart Association suggests that the consumption of saturated fats be kept to a minimum. In its place, unsaturated and unhydrogenated fats, such as those found in olive oil and nuts, should be consumed.