What are Trans Fats? And Why are Trans Fats Bad for Your Health?
If you are like most people, you must be curious too: why are trans fats bad? Before answering this legitimate question, let’s see first... What are Trans Fats?Apart from very small amounts found naturally in beef, lamb and dairy products, trans fats are formed during the chemical processing, or refining of vegetable oils, as well as during their "partial hydrogenation". But what is hydrogenation, you ask? This chemical process transforms liquid, less stable vegetable oils into more stable solid fats, like margarine and vegetable shortenings. So Why are Trans Fats Bad?Because partial hydrogenation destroys the oils’ molecular structure creating toxic trans fats - a liquid plastic-like substance. 
Your body doesn't recognize it and doesn't know what to do with it, so it isolates it in a special kind of protein storing it in the walls of your aorta and other arteries. Agonizing, isnt' it? Scientists have demonstrated again and again that trans fats increase dramatically the risk of birth defects and of a number of degenerative chronic diseases including Alzheimer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. The long-term use of these deadly trans fats results in the breakdown of cell membranes throughout the body, including nervous system tissues, eyes, brain, and spinal cord. And why are trans fats bad for your heart health? You should know that they:
Think about it. Do you fully understand now why are trans fats bad? What are Trans Fats Most Common Products?Shockingly, trans fats are up to 45% of the total fat amount in conventional, supermarket products. 
Contrary to the deceptive advertising hype, the most dangerous fats are typically found in packaged foods (snacks, cookies, crackers, cereals), in baking shortenings, margarine, bakery products (pies, muffins, pastries), fried foods (French fries, donuts), mayonnaise, and most salad dressings. Avoid these products at all costs. Don't even keep in your house anything containing trans fats. They are disguised as "vegetable shortening", or "partially hydrogenated oil" on the labels. Health authorities worldwide recommend limiting the consumption of trans fats to just trace amounts, so they're tightly regulated and must be fully disclosed on all product labels - you will not have any trouble recognizing them. Have you got the answers to your questions, why are trans fats bad and what are trans fats? If you’d like more details, take a look at this article from the University of Maryland Medical Center, "Trans Fats 101". << Return to Healthy Cooking Oils
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