Thus the terms polyunsaturated and saturated are inadequate to accurately describe fat or oil. All polyunsaturated fatty acids are different and so have different health effects. And all fats, polyunsaturated or saturated, have both health benefits and drawbacks. Advertisements which promote the health benefits of one oil over all others are again providing oversimplified information. Every oil has its health benefits and drawbacks.
None is a cure-all.
N-6 fatty acids encourage the formation of eicosanoids called prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These are potent chemicals which can increase platelet and monocyte activity respectively, thus increasing the risk of heart attack. Plasma lipids consist party of cholesterol and triglycerides. The reduction of lipoproteins in effect reduces plasma lipids and ultimately helps preven atherosclerosis and heart disease. The health benefits are an increase in prostacyclin and a decrease in thromboxane.