What to know about saturated fat and cholesterol

Eating excess saturated fat can increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, or "bad" cholesterol. Health experts agree that people should limit saturated fat and replace them with more nutritious, healthier alternatives.

The body needs healthy fats to function, and optimal levels of cholesterol are beneficial for the body. This waxy fat-like substance has essential functions, such as helping produce hormones and building cells.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol, carries cholesterol back to the liver to flush it out of the body. LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, can build up in the arteries, causing them to narrow, potentially leading to heart disease.

Learn more about the differences between HDL and LDL cholesterol.

If a person eats excess saturated fat, their LDL cholesterol levels may increase, so healthcare professionals advise limiting consumption.

This article explores saturated fat and how much a person should eat. Next, it explains how to eat to balance cholesterol levels and provides a list of foods to avoid and include in a balanced diet. Finally, it discusses the outlook for people with high cholesterol.

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Saturated fats occur naturally in foods from animal sources such as red meat and dairy products. In addition, some oils, such as palm and coconut oil, also contain saturated fat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that saturated fats can make someone's cholesterol levels higher, so it is best to consume foods lower in saturated fats. Additionally, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting saturated fat to prevent cholesterol problems and heart disease risk.

However, while dietary guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat, there is some controversy about this advice.

For example, a 2021 review notes that there is inconclusive evidence that lowering LDL-cholesterol by dietary means reduces a person's risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The authors explain that decreasing LDL cholesterol primarily reduces levels of large LDL particles. However, small LDL particles have a stronger association with CVD, and these are less affected when a person restricts saturated fat in their diet.

The review authors also stressed the importance of the food matrix, which refers to the structure and composition of an individual food where saturated fat may occur. Various other nutrients, including carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, may also affect an individual's risk of CVD.

A person can speak with a healthcare professional for further advice about eating a balanced diet and maintaining optimal cholesterol levels.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting saturated fat to less than 10% of a person's daily calories.

However, the AHA advises people to eat less than this, aiming for a dietary pattern that obtains 5–6% of calories from saturated fat. It explains that if someone eats 2,000 calories daily, no more than 120 of them should come from saturated fat. This equates to around 13 grams of saturated fat per day.

To reduce the risk of heart disease, experts recommend that a person keeps their cholesterol profile within an ideal range. A doctor can test someone's cholesterol levels using a blood test. Doctors may also look at triglycerides, which are fats in the blood, when assessing a person's health risk.

The optimal lipid profile levels for adults are as follows:

A person may maintain optimal cholesterol levels and lower their risk of heart disease using dietary and lifestyle strategies. This may include changing their diet, quitting smoking if applicable, and exercising more.

The CDC also advises people to do the following to help prevent high cholesterol levels:

The following food lists may help people make nutritious choices to lower their cholesterol levels.

A person may wish to limit these foods that are high in saturated fats:

Foods a person may add to a balanced diet include:

A doctor may advise a person with high cholesterol to change their diet or lifestyle. Healthcare professionals may also prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication such as statins.

People can lower their cholesterol levels by eating a diet that limits saturated fats and includes more nutritious alternatives.

The CDC advises people to check their cholesterol levels at least once every 4–6 years if they do not have heart disease. However, some people may need more frequent monitoring of their cholesterol.

A person can speak with their doctor to decide what is best in their case.

Most healthcare professionals agree that people should limit the amount of saturated fat they consume.

Animal products, such as red meat and dairy, and tropical oils, such as palm oil, are sources of saturated fat. People may lower their cholesterol levels by consuming less saturated fats and eating a nutritious diet, which may include whole grains, vegetables, and pulses.

Individuals may also need to reduce sugar in their diet and exercise more frequently to prevent heart disease.

However, doctors may also prescribe statins or other cholesterol-lowering medications to reduce a person's risk of cardiovascular disease.

People can speak with a healthcare professional for further advice.