Final answer:
The term '20% DV of saturated fat' means that a serving of the food provides 20% of the total amount of saturated fat that a person should consume in a day if they're on a 2000 calorie diet. Saturated fats, often from animal sources, contain all possible hydrogen atoms a molecule can hold. Although fats are essential for one's health, they need to be consumed in moderation due to being calorie-dense.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term '20% DV of saturated fat' on the nutrition facts table of food pertains to the Daily Value. The Daily Value, or DV, is a guide to the nutrients in one serving of food and it is a reference to help consumers understand the nutrition information in the context of a total daily diet. When a serving of food says it contains 20% DV of saturated fat, it means that the food provides 20% of the total amount of saturated fat that a person should be eating in one day, assuming a diet of 2000 calories.
It's important to note that saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature and usually of animal origin. These types of fats are called 'saturated' because they contain all the hydrogen atoms that a molecule can hold; hence, without double bonds between carbon atoms. Saturated fats and trans fats contain the greatest possible number of hydrogen atoms, while unsaturated fats do not.
Although fats — like carbohydrates and proteins — are crucial for good health, they are calorie-dense. This means that they have more calories per unit mass than carbohydrates or proteins. One gram of fat, for instance, contains nine calories. Therefore, consuming too much of these can lead to weight gain, and consequently, health problems. It's crucial, therefore, to consume them, particularly the 'healthy' ones, in moderate amounts.
Learn more about Daily Value of Saturated Fat