The researchers concluded: “Palm oil consumption results in higher LDL cholesterol than do vegetable oils low in saturated fat and higher HDL cholesterol than do trans fat–containing oils in humans.
“The effects of palm oil on blood lipids are as expected on the basis of its high saturated fat content, which supports the reduction in palm oil use by replacement with vegetable oils low in saturated and trans fat.”
Other sources of saturated fat
Saturated fat is found in:
- Butter, ghee, suet, lard, coconut oil and palm oil
- Cakes
- Biscuits
- Fatty cuts of meat
- Sausages
- Bacon
- Cured meats like salami, chorizo and pancetta
- Cheese
- Pastries, such as pies, quiches, sausage rolls and croissants
- Cream, crème fraîche and sour cream
- Ice cream
- Coconut milk and coconut cream
- Milkshakes
- Chocolate and chocolate spreads.
UK health guidelines recommend that the average man aged 19 to 64 years should eat no more than 30g of saturated fat a day.