Foods like margarine, cookies, chips, snack foods are considered as un

Foods like margarine, cookies, chips, snack foods are considered as unhealthy foods for humans. Which one of the following varieties of fats found in all of these foods is most harmful?

Trans fat
Monounsaturated fat
Polyunsaturated fat
Saturated fat
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2022
Trans fat is considered the most harmful variety of fat found in processed foods like margarine, cookies, and chips.
Trans fats, often created through the process of hydrogenation, raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (“good” cholesterol). This combination significantly increases the risk of heart disease.
Saturated fats primarily raise LDL cholesterol but do not significantly lower HDL cholesterol, making them less harmful than trans fats. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are generally considered beneficial for heart health as they can help improve cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Many health organizations recommend minimizing or eliminating trans fat consumption.