What kind of fats should be minimized in a healthy diet?

Trans fats are considered the type of fat that should be minimized in a healthy diet primarily due to their detrimental effects on heart health. These artificially created fats are often found in processed foods, baked goods, and margarine. Trans fats raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, while simultaneously lowering high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as "good" cholesterol. This negative impact on cholesterol levels significantly increases the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Contrastingly, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, found in foods like olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fish, are beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation. They can help improve blood lipid profiles and are associated with various health benefits, such as reduced inflammation and better overall cardiovascular health. Although some dietary guidelines do suggest limiting saturated fats, they are not as harmful as trans fats and can be part of a balanced diet if consumed carefully. Thus, the focus on minimizing trans fats is due to their explicit link to increased health risks, making this the correct choice.