Many people are confused about the difference between saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids. I think it is important to clear up the difference. They are both unhealthy for you but they are not the same thing.

 

Saturated fats are natural fats contained in meats, dairy products, such as butter, cream, milk, cheese, and tropical oils, such as coconut, palm, and palm kernel. Humans need some saturated fats, about 20 grams a day, but we abuse the recommended daily amount and on most days eat much more saturated fat than our bodies need. This is bad because saturated fat can increase cholesterol.

 

Trans fatty acids are manufactured. They are unnatural fats made from oils, which are chemically altered so that they are solid at room temperature. Our bodies do not need any trans fat and we should avoid products that contain them. Trans fats raise LDL, or bad cholesterol and also decrease HDL, or good cholesterol.