Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid found mainly in animal products and a few plant foods. Saturated fatty acids have been shown to raise blood cholesterol in many studies.
Recent research suggests that diets high in stearic acid help lower total blood cholesterol.
This was a small study of short duration. Other studies have been published recently, but scientists don't yet agree about the effects of stearic acid on cholesterol. The study looked at the metabolic effects of stearic acid on plasma lipoproteins and cholesterol. Eleven men were fed formula diets, one high in oleic acid, one high in stearic acid, and one high in palmitic acid. These were used in random fashion in three dietary periods of three weeks each.