Which type of fat is known to increase LDL cholesterol while decreasing HDL cholesterol?

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Trans fats are a type of fat that have been shown to have negative effects on cholesterol levels in the body. Specifically, they can increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, which contributes to the buildup of plaques in arteries and increases the risk of heart disease. At the same time, trans fats tend to decrease high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as "good" cholesterol, which helps to remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Due to these effects, health organizations recommend minimizing or eliminating trans fat consumption from the diet. In contrast, saturated fats can also raise LDL cholesterol but do not generally decrease HDL levels to the degree that trans fats do. Unsaturated fats are typically considered healthier fats because they can help lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their cardiovascular benefits and tend to improve overall cholesterol levels rather than negatively impacting them.

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