However, fats are a high calorie source of energy, and too much fat in the diet can increase the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Fat is measured in grams. One teaspoon of fat equals four grams. There are different kinds of fat in foods, and some types are worse than others. Saturated fats are found in dairy products made with whole milk and in meat.
Saturated fats are solid at room temperature.
Eating too much saturated fat raises blood cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease. Unsaturated fats, found mostly in plants, are liquid at room temperature. Polyunsaturated fats are found in safflower, sunflower, corn, soybean, and cottonseed oils, and in some fish. Unsaturated fats are less likely to cause heart disease. In fact, monounsaturated fats, found in olive, peanut, and canola oils, appear to lower cholesterol.