Saturated Fats
All fats are composed mainly of triglycerides. These, in turn, are composed of "fatty acids." These fatty acids fall into three categories: saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Of these three, saturated fatty acids are the main culprit in raising blood cholesterol.

Foods high in saturated fat come from both animals and plants. Animal-based foods containing lots of saturated fat include butter, beef tallow, lard and poultry fat. Seafood contains a small amount. Plant-based oils containing saturated fat include coconut oil, palm kernel oil, palm oil and cocoa butter.

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Cholesterol
Cholesterol comes from two sources. It's produced in your body, mostly in the liver (about 1,000 milligrams a day). And it's found in foods that come from animals, such as meats, poultry, fish, seafood and dairy products. Foods from plants (fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds) do not contain cholesterol. Be sure to visit A World of Choices to discover more about these food groups.

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Overweight and Obesity
Over 134 million American adults are overweight or obese and exceed the healthy weight range defined by the U.S. dietary guidelines (20 or more pounds overweight). People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke, even if they have no other risk factors.

Obesity is unhealthy because excess weight puts more strain on your heart. It can raise blood pressure and blood cholesterol and make diabetes more likely to develop. Losing excess weight is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart problems.