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How do trans fats affect LDL and HDL cholesterol levels?

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Synthesis of palmitate — Fat Palmitic acid is one of the most prevalent fatty acids occurring in the oils and fats of animals; it also occurs naturally in palm oil. It is generated through the addition of an acetyl group to multiple malonyl groups connected by single bonds between carbons. This structure forms a saturated acid—a major component of solid glycerides.

Trans fats have a detrimental impact on cholesterol levels, which significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. They affect the body’s cholesterol profile in two primary ways:

Increases LDL Cholesterol: Consumption of trans fats causes an increase in levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Elevated LDL leads to the accumulation of fat in blood vessels, contributing to atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of stroke.12
Decreases HDL Cholesterol: Unlike some other fats, trans fats also lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Because HDL is responsible for transporting cholesterol away from cells and vessels to the liver for excretion, its depletion removes a protective mechanism against heart disease.32

By simultaneously raising "bad" cholesterol and lowering "good" cholesterol, trans fats create a particularly harmful effect on heart health. It is ethically important to prioritize health by limiting or avoiding manufactured products containing these fats, as they offer no nutritional benefit and pose clear, scientifically documented risks to human well-being.32