In contrast, saturated fats are believed to increase cholesterol levels when eaten in excess. The National Cholesterol Education Program suggests that saturated fats be limited to ten percent of total calories. For example, if you eat 2,000 calories per day your saturated fat intake would be equal to 200 calories or approximately 22 grams. The body needs many kinds of fat. For example, the body cannot make Omega 3 or Omega 6 Fatty Acids.
Fats play many important roles in the body.
Eating excess fat calories is no more likely to make one gain weight than eating excess protein or carbohydrate calories. Many people have made it a primary goal to reduce their intake of fat, especially saturated fat, which is most associated with high blood cholesterol levels and an increased risk for heart disease. Reduced fat means that a product has at least 25 percent less fat per serving than a similar food. Reduced fat doesn't necessarily mean low fat. Low fat means 3 grams or less per serving.