saturated fat

noun

plural saturated fats

: a fat (see fat entry 3 sense 2b) that contains a fatty acid (see fatty acid sense 2) molecule which has no double bonds and only single bonds in its hydrocarbon chain, that is solid at room temperature, and that is found especially in animal products (such as meat and dairy), coconut, and palm oil

One thing scientists do know is that much of the yummy stuff in low-carb diets—think filet mignon with béarnaise sauce—comes loaded with artery-clogging saturated fats. Low-carb mania has not upended the scientific consensus that saturated fats are the enemy: a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

—David Bjerklie

Those who ate larger amounts of saturated fat, found in meats, dairy products, and butter, had more intra-abdominal fat, while those who ate a diet including more polyunsaturated fats, such as vegetable oils, had less visceral fat.

—Food & Fitness Advisor

compare unsaturated fat, trans fat

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

saturated fat

noun

: a fat (see fat entry 2 sense 2b) that contains a fatty acid (see fatty acid sense 2) molecule which has no double bonds and only single bonds in its hydrocarbon chain, that is solid at room temperature, and that is found especially in animal products (such as meat and dairy), coconut, and palm products

The American Heart Association (AHA) dietary guidelines for healthy adults suggest that no more than 30 percent of calories should come from fat, with eight to 10 percent coming from saturated fat …

—Harvey B. Simon, Scientific American Medical Bulletin

compare trans fat, unsaturated fat