Saturated fat forces the liver to produce more low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a microscopic vehicle that carries cholesterol through the arteries. LDL promotes buildup of atherosclerotic plaque - deposits on the artery walls that inhibit blood circulation. This buildup can cause a stroke or heart attack.

Cholesterol watchers are warned not to buy products with high oil content if the label merely states "pure vegetable oil" rather than listing the oil's specific name. "Pure vegetable oil" is likely to be made in large part from highly saturated coconut or palm oil because they cost less than the widely available mono-saturated or polyunsaturated oils. Nondairy creamers, in general, are another source of highly saturated oils parading under the "pure vegetable oil" banner.