Saturated fats refer to fatty foods that are solid at room temperature.
They are a type of dietary fat (mostly unhealthy) along with trans fats and are found in foods like butter, palm, and coconut oil, cheese, and red meat.
How do saturated fats affect human health?
Excessive consumption of saturated fats increases the amount of bad or LDL cholesterol and it gets deposited on the walls of arteries, thereby blocking the free flow of blood to and from the heart to various parts of the body, and increases the chances of heart attack.
1. Mayonnaise
1 tablespoon of mayonnaise contains 1.6 g of saturated fat and it is often enjoyed as a sandwich spread or for enhancing the taste of salad. The taste and texture makes it addictive and as per experts the one should consume not more than 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise daily.
2. Butter
1 tablespoon of butter contains 7 g of saturated fat and it is way higher than that of mayonnaise. From cooking to baking, we use it in every form and as per experts, one should avoid more than 1-2 tsp of butter daily. (Image: istock)
3. Animal fats
1 tablespoon of animal fats contain 4.55 g of saturated fat and the most common sources of this fat are chicken, duck, goose fat, and lard, which often enhances the taste of your meat preparation. According to experts, one should avoid them and use herbed oil and ghee to enhance the taste.
4. Cheese
1 slice of cheese contains 6 grams of saturated fat, and even after offering so many health benefits, it may cause heart attack and that’s why it is suggested to not consume more than 1/2 slice a day.
5. Whipped Cream
1 tablespoon of whipped cream contains 3 gms of saturated fat and may result in weight gain and blocking of arteries. It is suggested to replace whipped cream with sour cream for health benefits.
6. Processed Meat
100 gms of processed meat contains 14.9 g saturated fats and make it as healthy as animal fats. It is suggested to replace it with mushrooms, boiled lentils, tofu, beans and lean meat for.
7. Sweetened Coconut
1 cup of dried and sweetened coconut contains 29 g saturated fats and use of it in sweets makes it dangerous for your heart. While experts suggest avoiding it, you may consume 2 tablespoons of it once or twice a week.
