For all of the masochists (and cowards like Bob) who
angrily proclaim that saturated fat is healthy and
that anyone who says otherwise can take a hike, here's
a quick overview of the topic, in case it over occurs
to you that Reality would be a nice place to return to,
one day.
SATURATED FATS:
Saturated fats are usually solid or almost solid at room temperature.
All animal fats, such as those in meat, poultry, and dairy products are
saturated. Processed and fast foods are also saturated. Vegetable oils
also can be saturated. Palm, palm kernel and coconut oils are saturated
vegetable oils. (Fats containing mostly unsaturated fat can be made
more saturated through a process called "hydrogenation." See the
definition for hydrogenated/partially hydrogenated."😉
Saturated fats are the very unhealthy fats. They make the body produce
more cholesterol, which may raise blood cholesterol levels. Excess
saturated fat is related to an increased risk of cardiovascular
disease. The amount of cholesterol found in foods is not as important
as the amount of saturated fat. Of all the fats, saturated fat is the
most potent determinant of blood cholesterol levels. Saturated fats
stimulates the production of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and
therefore increases blood cholesterol levels and the risk of heart
disease. Saturated fats raise cholesterol levels and LDL-cholesterol
levels more than dietary cholesterol itself.