Saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and cholesterol are synthesized by the body, and have no known beneficial role in preventing chronic diseases and, therefore, are not necessary in the diet.
In their place, unsaturated fatty acids can be consumed, which are fats normally of vegetable origin.
But saturated fatty acids can be used for hormonal production, based on the production of cholesterol, so, even though it is not necessary, in the absence of unsaturated fatty acids, the saturated ones are used for the needs that would be met by the unsaturated ones.
Therefore, the daily need for saturates corresponds to the use in the absence of unsaturated ones, and not because they are actually necessary for the human body. The ideal concept is the use of unsaturated fatty acids, so the consumption of saturated fatty acids must be as little as possible or none at all.
Therefore, when looking at the percentage of daily needs for saturated fatty acids, what should be kept in mind is the idea of a lack of unsaturated fatty acids, and the emergency use of saturated ones instead of unsaturated ones.
Chemically, we can see the differences between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
It must be understood that saturates favor heart problems by forming fatty plaques on the walls of the vessels.
The smallest possible amount of saturated fat, and the use of unsaturated fat instead of saturated fat, is a good tool for preserving health.