Which statement best describes how saturated fats, trans fats, and unsaturated fats affect LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk?

• A. Saturated fats increase LDL cholesterol but trans fats do not.
• B. Trans fats lower LDL cholesterol.
• C. Saturated fats and trans fats raise LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk; unsaturated fats can lower LDL.
• D. Unsaturated fats raise LDL cholesterol and increase risk.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how different fats influence the LDL cholesterol level and cardiovascular risk. Saturated fats tend to raise LDL cholesterol, which is linked to greater atherosclerosis and heart risk. Trans fats also raise LDL and, in addition, often lower HDL, further increasing risk. In contrast, unsaturated fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) can lower LDL cholesterol when they replace saturated fats in the diet, improving the overall lipid profile and reducing cardiovascular risk. So the statement that saturated fats and trans fats raise LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, while unsaturated fats can lower LDL, best matches what we know about how these fats affect heart health.