Saturated fats (SFA or SAFA) are those fats that contain saturated fatty acids. They are predominantly solid at room temperature (except for palm oil) and do not oxidize.
According to the length of the carbon chain, they are divided into following groups:
- Short (SCT) – to a small extent eg. in butter (4%)
- Medium (MCT) – plant based SAFA (tropical oils – coconut and palm kernel oil)
- Long (LCT) – animal fat, yolk, milk and dairy products, palm oil
Saturated fats are (in appropriate quantity, in combination with a varied diet) essential part of a healthy diet, and support e.g. testosterone production. About 10% of total caloric intake is safe, but also more is possible, depending on other factors, or within a paleo (lowcarb) diet. However, when consuming saturated fat, there may be a problem with the storage of cholesterol in the blood vessels and their clogging under certain circumstances (manifestation of atherosclerosis). Individuals respond differently to increased SAFA / cholesterol intake.
Back: Fats