Kylläisrasvoja

Kylläisrasvoja, or saturated fats, are a type of dietary fat. Chemically, they are characterized by having single bonds between all carbon atoms in their fatty acid chains. This means the carbon chain is saturated with hydrogen atoms. At room temperature, saturated fats are typically solid due to their more linear molecular structure, which allows them to pack together tightly.

Sources of saturated fats in the diet include animal products such as butter, lard, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy products. They are also found in some plant-based oils like coconut oil and palm oil. The human body can synthesize saturated fats, so they are not considered essential nutrients.

Dietary guidelines often recommend limiting the intake of saturated fats. This is because high consumption has been linked to increased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the role of saturated fats in health is complex and continues to be a subject of research, with some debate regarding the impact of different types of saturated fatty acids and their food sources. It is generally advised to consume a balanced diet that emphasizes unsaturated fats from sources like nuts, seeds, avocados, and vegetable oils.