Saturated fats are often grouped together with trans fats, but they are not the same thing. Saturated fats are found in animal products, such as meat and dairy products, and in some tropical plant foods, such as coconut, Naidoo says.

Although it was once believed that saturated fat should be strictly limited, recently research38 suggests they may not be as harmful as previously thought, explains Scott.

“Current dietary guidelines recommend reducing saturated fat to 10% of calories. If you have heart disease, high cholesterol, or are at high risk for heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends reducing saturated fat to 5% to 6% of your daily calories39“, – says Sheinman.

When it comes to evaluating how healthy a food is, it’s also important to consider the quality of nutrition the food offers, not just the leanness, Abby K. Cannon, JD, RD, CDN, previously told mindbodygreen. If a food is rich in vitamins and minerals and also contains some saturated fat (such as eggs), it may be a better option than a food that does not contain fat but also does not have much nutritional value.

As with other foods, Naidoo recommends eating saturated fat in moderation and as part of a healthy, balanced diet that’s also rich in fruit and vegetables.