This image shows a molecule of a saturated fat called palmitic acid. It is commonly found in palm oil (derived from palm trees) as well as coconut oil, meat, and dairy products. Saturated fat molecules can raise cholesterol levels and contribute to heart disease. Unlike other fat molecules, the carbon atoms in a saturated fat molecule are bonded to as many hydrogen atoms as possible, which is why these fats are characterized as `saturated.`

In this model, carbon atoms are dark gray, hydrogen atoms are white, and oxygen atoms are red.

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