Which type of dietary fat, commonly found in red meat, butter, and processed snacks, is strongly linked to raising LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease?

💡 Explanation:

Saturated fats are widely recognized by major health organizations as the primary dietary factor that elevates LDL ('bad') cholesterol, which contributes significantly to the buildup of plaques in arteries and increases the risk of heart disease. Monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and omega-3 fats generally have beneficial or neutral effects on cholesterol.