When you reduce total fat, you will likely reduce the saturated fat portion as well. To be sure, pay attention to whether the foods you eat have more saturated, polyunsaturated, or monounsaturated fatty acids in them. Saturated fatty acids raise blood cholesterol levels, one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids lower blood cholesterol levels. Some evidence suggests that not all saturated fatty acids produce a blood cholesterol raising effect.
Stearic acid is an example of such a saturated fatty acid.
As for fats in food, however, consumers should be aware that more than one type of saturated fatty acid will be present. Foods that are rich in stearic acid will also likely contain saturated fatty acids that do raise blood cholesterol levels. Until further study shows otherwise, the general recommendation still stands to limit saturated fats in the diet. What's in Fat Food fats are a combination of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Nutritionists often classify fats according to the type of fatty acid present in the greatest amount.