What makes trans and saturated fat unhealthy?
Consumption of foods that are high in saturated fat can lead to excess weight gain, which is associated with numerous health concerns, including Type 2 Diabetes. In addition, both saturated and trans fats are linked to increased incidence of heart disease. Just as there are good and bad fats, there is good and bad cholesterol. Saturated and trans fats increase levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol (serum LDL-cholesterol) in the blood, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Trans fat also decreases the body’s defenses against heart disease by lowering the blood’s levels of ‘good’ HDL-cholesterol.
