Saturated Fat

One of the three categories of fatty acids that also includes monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. This type of fat is primarily derived from animal meat, dairy products and some tropical plant oils, such as palm and coconut. Saturated fat is associated with health risks including heart disease and cancer. Commercially available foods that are high in saturated fat include butter, lard, suet, margarine, vegetable shortening, whole milk, non-dairy whipped cream, meat, cakes, and pastries. Most saturated fats are solid at room temperature.