Which type of fat is considered 'good cholesterol'?

High density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to as 'good cholesterol' because it plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health. HDL is responsible for transporting cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it can be processed and eliminated from the body. This function helps to prevent the buildup of cholesterol in the walls of blood vessels, which can lead to atherosclerosis and increase the risk of heart disease.

Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease, making it beneficial for overall heart health. In contrast to HDL, other options are related to either harmful fatty acids or cholesterol types that do not provide protective functions.

Trans fats, for instance, are known to raise levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the 'bad cholesterol,' while lowering HDL levels, which is detrimental to health. Polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) can have both positive and negative effects depending on their type and the context of the overall diet. However, they do not serve the specific beneficial function of enhancing HDL's role in cholesterol transport and overall heart health like HDL does.

Therefore, recognizing HDL's protective properties is essential in understanding its classification as 'good cholesterol.'