What is Saturated Fat?
Saturated fats are types of dietary fats. They are called "saturated" because they have no double bonds between the carbon molecules, which means they are saturated with hydrogen atoms. Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature and are found in both animal and plant foods.
Benefits and Risks of Saturated Fat
Benefits:
Provides energy.
Helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
Important for hormone production and cellular functions.
Risks:
May increase the risk of heart disease and stroke if consumed in excess.
Foods High in Saturated Fat
Here are some foods rich in Saturated Fat along with their approximate Saturated Fat content per 100 grams and the percentage of the daily recommended value (DRV) they provide. The DRV for Saturated Fat approximately starts at 20 grams.
Top Sources of Saturated Fat for Carnivores
Coconut Oil
Saturated Fat content: 82 grams per 100g
% of Daily Need: 410%
Coconut oil is extremely high in saturated fat.
Butter
Saturated Fat content: 51 grams per 100g
% of Daily Need: 255%
Butter is rich in saturated fat.
Beef Tallow
Saturated Fat content: 50 grams per 100g
% of Daily Need: 250%
Beef tallow is a concentrated source of saturated fat.
Pork Fat (Lard)
Saturated Fat content: 39 grams per 100g
% of Daily Need: 195%
Pork fat, or lard, is high in saturated fat.
Cheddar Cheese
Saturated Fat content: 21 grams per 100g
% of Daily Need: 105%
Cheddar cheese is a dairy product rich in saturated fat.
Top Sources of Saturated Fat for Vegans
Coconut Oil
Saturated Fat content: 82 grams per 100g
% of Daily Need: 410%
Coconut oil is extremely high in saturated fat.
Palm Oil
Saturated Fat content: 50 grams per 100g
% of Daily Need: 250%
Palm oil is a plant-based source of saturated fat.
Cocoa Butter
Saturated Fat content: 60 grams per 100g
% of Daily Need: 300%
Cocoa butter, used in chocolate, is high in saturated fat.
Coconut Milk
Saturated Fat content: 21 grams per 100g
% of Daily Need: 105%
Coconut milk provides a significant amount of saturated fat.
Dark Chocolate
Saturated Fat content: 32 grams per 100g
% of Daily Need: 160%
Dark chocolate contains a substantial amount of saturated fat.