List of Foods With Lipids

Lipids are a set of molecules that include the dietary fats, also known as triglycerides, that people consume on a daily basis. One of the main components of cells, lipids also provide energy for the body. Though fats can be detrimental to a person's health and increase the risk for conditions like heart disease and stroke, some fats provide health benefits when used in moderation.

Meats and Dairy

• Saturated fats can be found in meat and a few vegetables, and is the primary dietary reason for a high blood cholesterol count, based on information from the American Heart Association. Foods that contain saturated fats include beef, veal, lamb, pork and lard. Dairy sources of this type of fat are butter, cheese, cream and other foods composed of whole and two percent milk. Plant-derived sources of saturated fats are oils, like palm and coconut, and cocoa butter.

Packaged and Fried Foods

• Hydrogenated fats, also known as trans fats, are created when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil through a process called hydrogenation. Hydrogenated fats are the worst type of fat that people consume because they raise bad cholesterol while lowering good cholesterol. Foods containing this type of fat include packaged foods, like crackers and cookies, and fried foods like french fries. Some kinds of margarine and shortening products also contain high amounts of hydrogenated fats.

Fish, Nuts and Oils

• The two types of unsaturated fats are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. Unsaturated fats can lower bad cholesterol when substituted for saturated fats, according to MedlinePlus. These kinds of fats also possess essential fatty acids, like omega-3, that may help prevent conditions such as heart disease, certain cancers and arthritis. Foods containing unsaturated fats are most nuts, salmon, herring, olives, sunflower and olive oil. Although unsaturated fats can provide health benefits, they are also high in calories and should be used in moderation.