Stearic [stearic acid]and palmitic acid are saturated fatty acids, oleic [oleic acid] is a monounsaturated fatty acid, linoleic is a polyunsaturated fatty acid.
Early studies showed that cocoa butter did not raise cholesterol as might be predicted by its saturated fatty acid content because of the neutral effects of stearic acid on blood cholesterol levels. Unlike palmitic acid or other saturated fatty acids, studies have shown that stearic acid does not raise blood cholesterol. As discussed in a review of nearly 40 years of scientific research, cocoa butter has been shown to have a neutral effect on blood cholesterol levels, possibly because of its high stearic acid content.