Final answer:
Trans fats raise LDL cholesterol and reduce HDL cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Trans fats are known to raise LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and lower HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol and decreased levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Therefore, consuming trans fats can increase the risk of heart disease.
Research has shown that even low levels of trans fat intake (1 to 3 percent of total energy intake) can be associated with an increased risk of heart attacks. Eliminating trans fats from the food supply has been estimated to prevent up to 19 percent of heart attacks in the United States.
In response to the harmful effects of trans fats, many fast food restaurants have eliminated trans fats from their menu items and food labels in the US are now required to list trans fat content. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend keeping trans fat intake as low as possible to reduce the risk of high cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke.