What are saturated fats?

Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature and are most commonly found in animal products, such as meat, dairy, and certain oils. This characteristic of being solid at room temperature is due to the molecular structure of saturated fats, which have no double bonds between carbon atoms. This allows the fatty acid chains to pack closely together, leading to a solid state.

Additionally, saturated fats can be found in some plant oils, such as coconut oil and palm oil, but their primary sources are indeed animal products. Understanding the nature and sources of saturated fats is important because they can impact health, particularly in relation to cardiovascular disease and cholesterol levels. Moderation of saturated fat intake is often recommended in dietary guidelines, emphasizing a balanced approach to nutrition.