What are trans fats and why should they be avoided?

Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that can be artificially created through a process called hydrogenation, which increases the shelf life of products and enhances texture. These fats have been shown to have detrimental effects on health, particularly by raising levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol, while simultaneously lowering levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known as 'good' cholesterol. This unfavorable lipid profile significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular illnesses. Thus, it is critical to avoid trans fats to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and overall heart health.

The other choices present misleading or incorrect information about the nature and health implications of fats, focusing instead on characteristics or benefits that do not apply to trans fats.