If linoleic acid replaces saturated fat in the diet:

When linoleic acid replaces saturated fat in the diet, the most accurate outcome is that total cholesterol levels, including HDL (high-density lipoprotein), typically decrease. Linoleic acid is an essential polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that has been shown to have a beneficial effect on blood lipid profiles.

Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats like linoleic acid is associated with improved blood lipid levels. Saturated fats can raise LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, which is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. In contrast, linoleic acid can help reduce LDL cholesterol and overall cholesterol levels when consumed in appropriate amounts.

While HDL cholesterol, often labeled as "good" cholesterol, may not significantly increase with the substitution of linoleic acid for saturated fat, the overall effect of this dietary change is a reduction in total cholesterol levels. Thus, the decision to choose that total cholesterol, including HDL, decreases is consistent with the established understanding of how dietary fats influence lipid metabolism.