What specific type of cholesterol can increase due to excessive consumption of saturated fats?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
Saturated fats, which are typically solid at room temperature, represent one of the main structural categories of dietary fats. While they are necessary components of a healthy diet in controlled amounts, overconsumption of saturated fats poses recognized cardiovascular risks. Specifically, excessive intake of these fats is associated with an elevation in the circulating levels of low-density lipoprotein, commonly referred to as LDL cholesterol. This type of cholesterol is often labeled as the 'bad' cholesterol because elevated levels are linked to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Conversely, unsaturated fats, especially when replacing saturated fats, are generally associated with more favorable heart health outcomes.
