Saturated fat and high blood pressure

Although you need some fat in your diet, be careful about eating saturated fats. These fats are mostly in animal foods, such as meat and dairy foods. Coconut oil, palm oil, and cocoa butter are also saturated fats. Palm and coconut oils are often found in processed foods, including crackers and snack foods.

Over time, too much saturated fat can cause high cholesterol and lead to atherosclerosis. This, along with high blood pressure, increases your risk for heart attack and stroke.