“By limiting saturated and trans fats, the diet decreases LDL — or bad — cholesterol, which causes plaque buildup in the arteries, or atherosclerosis, and can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
“The various mechanisms are well known,” Troulakis says. “By limiting saturated and trans fats, the diet decreases LDL — or bad — cholesterol, which causes plaque buildup in the arteries, or atherosclerosis, and can lead to heart attacks and strokes. By encouraging healthy unsaturated fats, it combats inflammation and promotes brain health.”