Which type of fats are considered saturated fats?

Saturated fats are primarily derived from animal sources and are typically solid at room temperature. This characteristic stems from their chemical structure, which consists of fatty acid chains that have no double bonds between their carbon atoms. As a result, saturated fats can be closely packed together, leading to a solid state at room temperature. Common examples include butter, lard, and certain dairy products.

While some saturated fats can also be found in certain plant sources, such as coconut oil and palm oil, the general association of saturated fats is with animal-derived products. This understanding is important for nutritional guidelines, as high consumption of saturated fats has been linked to increased levels of LDL cholesterol (often referred to as "bad" cholesterol), which can contribute to heart disease.

The other descriptions of fats do not accurately represent saturated fats. For instance, fats from plant sources that are liquid at room temperature refer primarily to unsaturated fats, which are beneficial when consumed in moderation. Fats exclusively found in fish are typically omega-3 fatty acids, a type of unsaturated fat known for their health benefits. Finally, fats that are artificially created in laboratories, commonly known as trans fats, are also distinct from saturated fats and are created through the hydrogenation of unsaturated fats, leading to