What can contribute to increased bad cholesterol levels in the body?

Increased levels of bad cholesterol, specifically low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, can be significantly influenced by the consumption of trans fats. Trans fats are artificially created through the hydrogenation of vegetable oils, leading to fats that can raise LDL cholesterol while decreasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is considered the "good" cholesterol.

Trans fats are often found in processed foods, baked goods, and fried foods. Their presence in the diet can disrupt the body's normal lipid profile, contributing to cardiovascular disease and other health issues. Therefore, a diet high in trans fats has a direct correlation with elevated bad cholesterol levels and can pose substantial health risks.

In contrast, regular physical activity helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels by raising HDL cholesterol and lowering LDL cholesterol. High sugar intake may contribute to various health problems, but it does not have the same direct relationship with bad cholesterol as trans fats. Low sodium intake is generally beneficial for health and does not contribute to increased cholesterol levels. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why increased trans fats are directly linked to elevated bad cholesterol.