Fatty acid in cocoa butters

Stearic acid, a major fatty acid in cocoa butter, does not raise total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels compared with carbohydrates. Also, MCFA have been reported not to raise LDL and HDL cholesterol concentrations compared with carbohydrates, but data are limited. Like carbohydrates, diets containing large amounts of MCFA increase fasting triacylglycerol concentrations compared with the other saturated fatty acids. However, such diets are the sole energy source only in parenteral or enteral nutrition or in sports drinks. Other saturated fatty acids have not been reported to raise triacylglycerol concentrations compared with each other, but lower triacylglycerol concentrations compared with carbohydrates. 

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