How Do Solid Fats Affect You?

Your body relies on a proper intake of fats, carbohydrates and proteins to properly function. While you should consume fats from healthy sources, such as fish and vegetables, other fats, known as solid fats, can be harmful to your health. Avoiding solid fats in your diet can help you to avoid harmful health conditions including high cholesterol and heart disease. By making dietary changes, you can reduce the likelihood that blockages will form in your coronary arteries.

Solid fats are those that are solid at room temperature and include butter, milk fat, cream, lard, shortening, coconut oil, hydrogenated oil and palm and palm kernel oils, according to ChooseMyPlate.gov. These solid fats can come from natural sources, such as animal fats, and processed foods through a manufacturing process called hydrogenation. While solid fats may at time appear liquid, such as milk fats, the fats are suspended in oils or other liquids.

LDL Cholesterol Levels

Known as low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol, this cholesterol type is associated with an increased risk for heart disease. Solid fat consumption is associated with elevated LDL cholesterol levels, more so than saturated fats, according to The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. The more LDL fat you have in your blood, the more likely you are to develop blockages in your coronary arteries. If left untreated, blockages can lead to a heart disease and therefore, a heart attack. For this reason, The Harvard Medical School recommends avoiding solid fats.

HDL Cholesterol Levels

Another type of cholesterol exists -- high-density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol. Unlike LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol is considered the “good” form of cholesterol because it circulates through your blood, helping to remove LDL cholesterol. The higher the amount of HDL cholesterol in your blood, the less likely you are to experience adverse effects from excess cholesterol. Solid fats called trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils, are more likely to lower HDL cholesterol in your blood. Examples of foods that contain trans fats include packaged baked goods, such as cookies, cakes and breads.

Contribute to Obesity

Solid fats and added sugars compose an estimated 35 percent of an American’s total calorie consumption, according to MayoClinic.com. Foods high in solid fats are considered “energy dense,” which means they are high in calories. Excess calorie consumption is associated with an increased risk for weight gain because your body cannot burn off the high-calorie solid foods you have consumed. Instead of high-fat solid foods, MayoClinic.com recommends consuming low-calorie foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.