Name several different types of fat and their health benefits and risks

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Saturated fats: This form of fat is solid at room temperature and is found primarily in animal sources such as meat and dairy. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), saturated fat raises levels of LDL (low density lipoprotein— the bad cholesterol) which increases our risk of heart disease.
Trans-fats: These fats are generally vegetable oils that have been chemically modified to make them solid through a process called partial hydrogenation. Trans-fats may create an even greater risk of heart disease than saturated fats through their ability to elevate circulating LDL levels.
Cholesterol: The body manufactures this sterol compound and uses it as a component of our cell membranes or in steroidal hormones such as the corticosteroids. Our body makes all we need and therefore does not require it in food.
Monounsaturated fats: These plant-based fatty acids, liquid at room temperature, are considered healthy fats because they reduce circulating LDL and total cholesterol levels, raise HDL, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Polyunsaturated fats: These healthy fats are found in plant-based foods and also found in fish. They can lower LDL and total cholesterol, raise HDL, and protect against heart disease.