Saturated fat is naturally derived from animal sources and is found in many meat and dairy products.  These food products include fatty meat (beef, lamb, chicken with skin, veal, and pork), whole milk, butter, cheese, lard, cream, ice cream, any dairy product made with 2% or whole milk, egg yolks, coconut oil, palm oil, and palm kernel oil.

Foods that are prepared with any product that is high in saturated fat will itself contain saturated fat such as certain baked goods and foods fried in saturated fats.

How Many Saturated Fats Are Safe?

Saturated fats increase blood cholesterol levels causing a series of complications including coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and death. High blood cholesterol can also cause atherosclerosis, which is a hardening, and thickening of the inner lining of the larger artery walls, which is largely responsible for angina, heart attack, and stroke.

The American Heart Association recommends that no more than 7% of your total caloric intake be derived from saturated fats. This equates to roughly 16 grams.

Reduce the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

Replacing the saturated fats in your diet with polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in vegetable oils such as corn, safflower, or soybean oil, can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by 19%.