Which statement correctly describes saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats?

• A. Saturated fats have one or more double bonds.
• B. Unsaturated fats have no double bonds.
• C. Trans fats have trans-double bonds and raise LDL cholesterol.
• D. All fats are equally healthy.

Answer: (C)

Understanding fats hinges on the types of chemical bonds they contain and how those bonds affect health. Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms, so they’re typically solid at room temperature. Unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds, which creates kinks that keep them liquid. Trans fats are a particular kind of unsaturated fat with trans double bonds; these behave more like saturated fats in the body and are known to raise LDL cholesterol, increasing cardiovascular risk. That combination—trans fats having trans-double bonds and raising LDL cholesterol—best describes their nature and health impact. The other statements misstate the bond structures and health effects of saturated and unsaturated fats, and the idea that all fats are equally healthy isn’t accurate.