Low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad cholesterol") carries cholesterol through the bloodstream which can build up in arterial walls as plaque to clog arteries and cause atherosclerosis. A clot formed by the plaque can severely reduce or even stop blood flow and cause a heart attack. High-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good cholesterol") is believed to carry cholesterol away from arterial walls to the liver for processing. While factors such as exercise, age, gender and smoking enter into the build-up of bad cholesterol, eating too much of certain foods also causes a build-up of LDL, which can lead to heart disease and death.
Dietary Cholesterol
Dietary cholesterol isn't a "fat" as such, but it can increase your LDL cholesterol levels. It is found in animal products like meat, poultry and seafood. The Mayo Clinic states that dietary cholesterol isn't as harmful as saturated fat or trans fat.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fat adds to LDL levels and is found in lard and tropical oils like palm oil and coconut oil. According to the Mayo Clinic, meat products also carry saturated fat along with dietary cholesterol. Saturated fat is especially high in organ meats.
Trans Fats
Trans fat adds to LDL cholesterol levels, and comes from baked goods like cookies, cakes and pies. According to the Mayo Clinic, fried foods like French fries and doughnuts, and shortening and margarines also contain trans fats.
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