Which dietary fat is primarily derived from animal products and tends to raise cholesterol levels?

Saturated fats are primarily derived from animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs. They are known to contain no double bonds between carbon atoms, which contributes to their solid state at room temperature. When consumed in excess, saturated fats can elevate levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the bloodstream. High LDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

While unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are generally considered heart-healthy and can help lower LDL cholesterol levels, trans fats are artificially created and can also negatively impact cholesterol levels. However, saturated fats specifically are the type that predominantly comes from animal-derived foods and have a well-established link to raising cholesterol, making this the correct choice for the question.