There's a common misperception
that the majority of beef's fatty acids are saturated. In reality, foods that
contain fats come in fatty acid packages containing various amounts of saturated
fat, monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat. Same goes for beef.
Monosaturated Fat
Half the fatty acids in lean beef are monounsaturated, the same heart-healthy
type found in olive oil.Polyunsaturated Fat
Polyunsaturated fats, found mainly in vegetable oils such as safflower,
sunflower, corn, flaxseed and canola oils, are necessary for cell structure and
making hormones.
Stearic Acid
About 1/3 of beef's total saturated fat is stearic acid, which has been
shown to have a neutral effect on blood cholesterol levels in humans.
Other Saturated Fat
The amount of fatty acids that can potentially raise blood cholesterol
levels is comparable in fish, chicken and lean beef.
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