Final answer:
Saturated fat intake generally increases LDL cholesterol, which can raise heart disease risk, while its effect on HDL cholesterol and overall heart disease risk is complex and under debate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Saturated fats have been closely associated with changes in blood cholesterol levels, specifically affecting low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Consuming saturated fats can increase the level of LDL cholesterol, which is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can lead to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, raising the risk of heart disease. On the other hand, some research suggests that saturated fats may have a complex relationship with HDL, known as "good" cholesterol, since it is thought to help remove cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for excretion or re-utilization.
However, recent studies have brought into question both the protective role of HDL against cardiovascular disease and the direct relationship between saturated fat intake and heart disease risk. This has led to an ongoing debate in the scientific community, with some suggesting that the emphasis should instead be on the overall dietary pattern, including the replacement of saturated fats with unsaturated fats.