Final answer:
The statement regarding saturated fats being solid at room temperature, originating mostly from animal sources, and increasing the risk of heart disease is true. Saturated fats are associated with elevated 'bad' cholesterol levels and can lead to heart disease due to plaque build-up in the arteries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Saturated fats tend to be solid at room temperature, are generally from animal sources, and are associated with an increased risk of heart disease' is true. Saturated fats have carbon atoms that share only single bonds, leading to a structure that allows them to be solid at room temperature. These fats mostly come from animal-based foods, such as meat and dairy products. Unlike unsaturated fats that are typically liquid at room temperature and found in plant oils, saturated fats do not have the double bonds that create the kinks in the fatty acid chains, preventing them from packing closely together.
High consumption of saturated fats is known to increase blood cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol, which is often referred to as the “bad” cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol levels contribute to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which heightens the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular events. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the intake of saturated fats in the diet to maintain a healthy heart.