Animal fat
From ArticleWorld
Animal fat is the fat that is obtained from animal sources.
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Types of animal fats
Animal fat can come from a wide variety of sources. Typical animal fats include:
- Chicken fat
- Beef fat (also called tallow)
- Blubber
- Butter fat (ghee)
- Cod liver oil
- Pork fat (lard)
Human nutrition
Heart disease is a more common cause of death than starvation as far as human nutrition is concerned. Animal fats are associated with a high level of blood cholesterol, which is often linked to the onset of heart disease. There have also been studies that high amounts of animal fat could increase the risk of breast cancer (as well as other cancers).
Products made from animal fat
Food isn't the only product made from animal fat. A variety of beauty products, like soap, are made with animal fats. Also, washing machine powder — or dishwashing powder — may contain animal fats.
Many food additives, such as the grease for baking materials are made with animal fats.
Biscuits typically contain animal fats.
Alternatives
Many vegetable oils or vegetable-based broths can be used to replace animal fats in a diet.
Typically, one can also use synthetic ingredients as a substitute for many animal fat products.
The only way to safely know whether one is consuming or using products derived from animal fats is to consult any of the comprehensive vegan or vegetarian resource guides available on the Internet and familiarize oneself with the terminology used to refer to animal fat products (other than specific names). From that point, product ingredient items will allow one to determine a product's contents.
Positives
Some people believe that saturated fat — often in the form of animal fats — offers humans health benefits.