Beware of Consuming High Levels of Saturated Fats
Saturated fats. Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperature. The American Heart Association suggests a goal of 5% to 6% of daily calories from saturated fats.
Foods high in saturated fats include:
- Foods baked or fried using saturated fats.
- Meats, including beef, lamb, pork as well as poultry, especially with skin.
- Lard.
- Dairy products like butter and cream.
- Whole or 2% milk.
- Whole-milk cheese or yogurt.
- Oils from coconuts, palm fruits, or palm kernels.
Saturated fats can add up quickly in foods that combine ingredients. . . . Saturated fat tends to raise levels of cholesterol in the blood. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is called “bad” cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is called “good” cholesterol. Saturated fats raise the levels of both. A high level of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream increases the risk heart and blood vessel disease. Limited evidence suggest that saturated fats and high cholesterol levels may be linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease or other diseases that cause dementia.