Where is saturated fat stored

Quick chemistry lesson: Saturated fats are made up of fatty acid chains that are saturated with hydrogen molecules hence the name. Their structure makes it so that many chains can line up with very little space between them. Think: coconut oil and butter. The gaps between molecules make their bonds easier to break.

High LDL cholesterol can clog the arteries over time, which leads to heart disease and stroke. Over time, this can limit the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout your body, and if the plaque breaks off an artery wall, it can cause a blood clot.

Most dieticians and even the U. Even when it comes to avocados, nuts, and other healthy fats, you can definitely have too much of a good thing. Be mindful of your mouthful! Other recent nutrition research suggests that eating more refined carbohydrates like corn syrup and other forms of added sugar has a bigger impact on cholesterol levels and overall heart health than fat.

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. The increase in body fat and the distribution of fat in the body was measured using a magnetic resonance imaging MRI scans before and after the weight gain, as was the muscle mass in the body. Gene activity was measured in the abdominal visceral fat before and after the weight gain with the help of a gene chip that studies several thousand genes at a time.

Despite comparable weight gains between the two diet groups, the surplus consumption of saturated fat caused a markedly greater increase in the amount of fat in the liver and abdomen especially the fat surrounding the internal organs, visceral fat in comparison with the surplus consumption of polyunsaturated fat.

Moreover the total amount of body fat was greater in the saturated fat group, while, on the other hand, the increase in muscle mass was three times less for those who ate saturated fat compared with those who ate polyunsaturated fat. Thus, gaining weight on excess calories from polyunsaturated fat caused more gain in muscle mass, and less body fat than overeating a similar amount of saturated fat.

Since most of us are in positive energy balance, and consequently gain weight slowly but gradually over time, the present results are highly relevant for most Western populations. These findings can therefore be important for individuals with metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

When it comes to the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, it seems more important where in the body the fat is stored than how much fat the body has. Visceral fat, along with a high proportion of fat in the liver, is closely associated with increased risk for developing type-2 diabetes. These fat depots are therefore important targets for new drugs and dietary strategies.

A number of studies have indicated that a higher intake of polyunsaturated fats from plant oils and nuts is associated with a decreased risk of type-2 diabetes, but the reasons for this remain unclear.

The present study proposes a potential explanation for such an association, showing that polyunsaturated fatty acids can affect fat distribution in the body more favorably than saturated fats, probably by regulating increased energy combustion or decreased storage of visceral fat in connection with calorie-rich diets. The researchers were also able to see that over-consumption of saturated fats seems to be able to "turn on" certain genes in fatty tissue that increase the storage of fat in the abdomen and at the same time hamper insulin regulation.

Polyunsaturated fats, instead, can "turn on" genes in visceral fat that in turn are linked to reduced storage of fat and improved sugar metabolism in the body. However, more research is required to understand how this occurs in humans. Review the nutrition facts label on food packaging to learn the total fat, saturated fat, and trans fat.

Food labels are not required to list monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Types of Fats. Top of the page. Topic Overview Fats are nutrients that give you energy. Saturated fat Saturated fat is solid at room temperature, which is why it is also known as "solid fat.

You'll find it in: Processed foods. Snack foods, such as chips and crackers. Some margarine and salad dressings. Foods made with shortening and partially hydrogenated oils. Unsaturated fat Unsaturated fat is liquid at room temperature. Monounsaturated fat: This fat is in avocado, nuts, and vegetable oils, such as canola, olive, and peanut oils.

Eating foods that are high in monounsaturated fats may help lower your "bad" LDL cholesterol.