How do the different types of fat in foods affect my cholesterol levels?
Saturated fats can increase total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol increases the risk of fatty deposits developing in your arteries. Monounsaturated fats can lower the LDL level and do not lower the level of HDL (good) cholesterol. Polyunsaturated fats are an essential part of the diet. They can help lower LDL cholesterol, but they also lower HDL cholesterol. Omega-3 fats are a particular type of polyunsaturated fat that can help lower levels of triglycerides – another undesirable fatty substance – in the blood.