Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Resource.

Saturated fats are known to raise LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, which is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. When consumed, saturated fats can lead to an increase in the production of cholesterol by the liver, resulting in higher levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. This is significant because elevated LDL cholesterol is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

In contrast, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats generally have a neutral or beneficial effect on cholesterol levels; they can help to lower LDL cholesterol and improve heart health when they replace saturated fats in the diet. Omega-3 fats, which are a type of polyunsaturated fat found in fish and flaxseeds, are particularly well-known for their heart health benefits, including the ability to lower triglycerides and potentially raise HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which is considered "good" cholesterol.

Thus, among the options, saturated fats are specifically associated with raising LDL cholesterol levels, making this option the accurate choice.