What effect does artificial trans fat have on cholesterol levels?

Artificial trans fats have been shown to adversely affect cholesterol levels in the body. Trans fats work by increasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, as they can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries.

In addition to raising LDL cholesterol, artificial trans fats can also lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol, further exacerbating cardiovascular risks. By increasing LDL and potentially decreasing HDL, trans fats create an unhealthy lipid profile that significantly contributes to cardiovascular disease.

The other options fail to capture the detrimental impacts of artificial trans fats on cholesterol levels. For instance, suggesting that they decrease LDL cholesterol or have no effect does not align with established nutritional science, and the idea that they increase HDL cholesterol is counterproductive to the known effects of these fats on heart health. Therefore, recognizing that artificial trans fats increase LDL cholesterol is crucial for understanding their role in diet and public health recommendations.