Healthy saturated fats can be a part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. These fats can come from natural sources that offer various health benefits. Here are some examples of healthy saturated fats and their respective measurements.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, a type of saturated fat that may have potential health benefits. It’s a powerful anti-fungal and people who consume it with polyphenols don’t gain weight!! It is often used in cooking and baking and can also be used topically for skin and hair care. 1/2 cup=
- Calories: 940 kcal
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 112g
- Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content contains saturated fat, primarily stearic acid, which has a neutral effect on cholesterol levels. In addition, dark chocolate is a source of antioxidants. For dark chocolate, particularly the kind with a high cocoa content (around 70-85%), here’s an approximation of the macros for 4 squares, assuming each square is about 10 grams (so 40 grams total):
- Calories: Approximately 220 kcal
- Fat: Around 15g (varies by brand, with saturated fat being a significant portion)
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 24g (this includes some fiber and sugars)
- Protein: About 3g
- Fiber: Approximately 3-4g
- Grass-Fed Butter: Butter from grass-fed cows is a source of saturated fats, including butyric acid, which may support gut health. It’s also a good source of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin K2. For 1/2 cup:
- Calories: 408 kcal
- Protein: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 0.1g
- Fat: 46g
- Whole Eggs: Egg yolks contain saturated fat but are also packed with essential nutrients, including choline, which is important for brain and liver health. Eggs are a valuable source of high-quality protein. 4 large eggs = 1/2 cup
- Calories: 312 kcal
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 21g
- Fatty Fish: Fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines provide healthy saturated fats along with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These fats can support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. For a 1/2 cup serving
- Calories: 367 kcal
- Protein: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 22g
- Nuts: Nuts, including macadamia nuts and almonds, contain small amounts of saturated fat along with unsaturated fats. They are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and a variety of essential nutrients. For 1/2 cup of almonds:
- Calories: 413 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 36g
- Full-Fat Dairy: Full-fat dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk contain saturated fats along with vitamins and minerals. These dairy products can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. For 1/2 cup serving:
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 8g
This list can help you moderate your fat and carb intake according to the recommendations on the Macro blogs for Overweight, Obese 1 and Obese 2.
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