What are trans fats known to increase in the body?

Trans fats are known to increase LDL cholesterol levels in the body. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because high levels of it can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The consumption of trans fats can disrupt the balance of cholesterol in the body, leading to higher levels of LDL while potentially lowering HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which is considered "good" cholesterol.

The presence of trans fats in the diet is primarily linked with processed foods and partially hydrogenated oils, which are designed to enhance shelf life and improve texture. However, these fats have detrimental effects on cardiovascular health due to their ability to raise LDL levels.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the effects of trans fats. HDL cholesterol is the type of cholesterol that is beneficial and helps reduce the risk of heart disease, while blood sugar levels and metabolism rate are not significantly influenced by trans fat consumption in the same direct way that LDL cholesterol levels are.