What type of fatty acid is known to increase cholesterol levels in the blood?

Saturated fatty acids are known to increase cholesterol levels in the blood primarily because they tend to raise the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. When consumed in excess, saturated fats can lead to an increase in the total cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, which in turn can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Saturated fats are typically found in animal products such as fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, and certain oils like coconut and palm oil. The structure of saturated fatty acids, which have no double bonds between carbon atoms, contributes to their effects on cholesterol metabolism and their tendency to remain solid at room temperature. This solid state is a key characteristic in how they can influence cholesterol levels and overall heart health. In contrast, unsaturated fatty acids, whether monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, are generally considered to be heart-healthy fats as they can help to lower LDL levels and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is known as "good" cholesterol.