What type of fat should be increased in a heart-healthy diet?

In a heart-healthy diet, the focus should be on increasing unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats, which include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, are beneficial for heart health because they can help reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and increase good cholesterol levels (HDL). These types of fats are typically found in sources such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.

Incorporating unsaturated fats can provide essential fatty acids that are vital for overall health and can contribute to lowering the risk of heart disease. These fats also support various bodily functions, including inflammation control and cellular health.

In contrast, saturated fats are typically associated with raising LDL cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Trans fats are particularly harmful and should generally be avoided as they not only raise LDL cholesterol but also lower HDL cholesterol. Cholesterol itself, although necessary in small amounts for certain bodily functions, does not need to be increased, especially if one is concerned about heart health.