Saturated Fats
What are saturated fats?
Saturated fats (saturated fatty acids) carry the maximum amount of hydrogen atoms in its long carbon chain (12 to 24 carbon atoms). Saturated fats can be synthesized by our bodies and therefore are non-essential. As in, we do not need to consume saturated fats because our bodies can produce them naturally. Further, saturated fats are unhealthier than unsaturated fats because they raise the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and they do not contain linolenic or linoleic acids (see below). Saturated fats can be found mainly in animal products such as meats, milk, butter, and margarine, but are also in oils like coconut and palm oil.