Saturated fats are high in cholesterol. Monounsaturates, on the other hand, contain no cholesterol. Fats and lipids are essential to a well balanced diet. They divide into saturates and unsaturates depending on whether they have simple or double bonds between their carbon groups. Fatty acids that have one double bond are monounsaturates.
Polyunsaturates have several double bonds.
Olive oil contains unsaturated fatty acids. Oleic acid and linoleic acid are two unsaturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids are found in animal fats such as butter and lard. LDL transport and deposit cholesterol in the tissues and arteries. LDL levels increase with a high intake of saturated fatty acids and are harmful.