saturated fat

noun

Nutrition.

1. a type of single-bond animal or vegetable fat, as that found in butter, meat, egg yolks, and coconut or palm oil, that in humans tends to increase cholesterol levels in the blood.

saturated fat

1. A fat with a triglyceride molecule containing three saturated fatty acids. All carbon atoms in the fatty acid chains of saturated fats are connected by single bonds. Most fats derived from animal sources are saturated fats. Eating foods high in saturated fats can lead to elevated cholesterol levels in the blood.

2. Compare unsaturated fat

Word History and Origins

Origin of saturated fat¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Professor Sarah Berry, senior author and Professor of Nutritional Sciences at King's College London, explained: "With the current demonization of everything processed, this research highlights that not all food processing is bad for us! The process of interesterification allows the generation of hard fats in place of harmful trans fats, whilst also enabling manufacturers to reduce the saturated fat content of spreads and foods. Given the widespread use of the process of interesterification of fats and the fearmongering around food processing, this research is timely."

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These beloved foods—not to mention pizza, cookies and many sandwiches—all contain saturated fat.

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The current dietary guidelines, which are updated every five years, recommend people limit their saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories.

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Still, more than three-quarters of Americans eat more saturated fat than the guidelines currently recommend.

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Here’s what the science says about saturated fat and health:

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