Why do doctors recommend a reduced intake of saturated fats?

Disease Associations: Consumption of saturated fats (fats from animal and dairy products) has been shown in many studies to be an independent risk factor for the development of many diseases, including heart disease and high cholesterol. Some studies have also shown an increased risk of various cancers in people who consume large amounts of saturated fats.

To protect the heart: Saturated fats are usually from animal products we consume in our diet, such as dairy products and red meat. Eating a lot of saturated fat can raise one's cholesterol, which is directly related to a higher risk of coronary artery disease. If one's coronary (heart) arteries are narrowing from cholesterol plaques, the blood supply to the heart gets blocked, causing a higher risk of mortality.