Why are trans fats considered harmful to health?

Trans fats are considered harmful to health primarily because they raise LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, while simultaneously lowering HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, known as "good" cholesterol. This dual effect contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.

When LDL cholesterol levels are elevated, they can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can narrow and block blood flow. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream, so when its levels are lowered due to the consumption of trans fats, the body loses a crucial protective mechanism against heart disease.

In contrast to trans fats, other options focus on effects that either promote good cholesterol engagement or suggest negligible impacts on cholesterol levels, but none address the detrimental combination of raising LDL and lowering HDL that trans fats cause. Therefore, the impact of trans fats on cholesterol dynamics is the clear reason for their classification as detrimental to health.