Hydrogenated Fats and Trans-Fats

Hydrogenated fats and trans-fats are not natural and they are definitely not good for your health.

Hydrogenation is the process that is used to turn liquid oils into a solid form. Vegetable margarine and vegetable shortening are hydrogenated fats.

The process of hydrogenation damages oils. It is very damaging because it destroys the natural vitamins found in the oils and it causes the formation of trans-fatty acids.

Trans-fatty acids get formed when:

• ...hydrogen is added to the molecular structure of oils to make margarine or shortening (hydrogenation)
• ...unsaturated oils are exposed to heat during the oil extraction process
• ...oils get exposed to heat and light after they are extracted

Hydrogenated oils and trans-fatty acids are not neutral. Research shows that they come with some serious and dangerous health risks:

• They are one of the main risk factors associated with heart disease and cancer
• They play a role in the development of diabetes, and obesity
• They can cause damage to cell membranes and your immune system
• They can interfere with anti-inflammatory responses
• They can disrupt hormonal function and make PMS much worse
• They contribute to skin problems and prostate problems
• They interfere with the metabolism of essential fatty acids (the good fats)
• They also interfere with normal growth and development
• Trans fats increase the bad cholesterol (LDL) and decrease the good cholesterol (HDL). They increase blood triglycerides as well. These are risk factors for heart disease.

You can find hydrogenated oils and trans-fats in a lot of popular foods. They are mostly found in processed foods and fast foods such as commercially-prepared baked goods, ice cream, candies, chocolate, crackers, French fries, potato chips, and other snack foods.

Tips to Help You Avoid Unhealthy Fats:

• Always read the labels of any packaged foods that you are about to buy
• Stick to fresh, unprocessed foods when you can
• Make room in your schedule to prepare foods yourself as often as you can. Homemade always tastes so much better. We will be adding some delicious recipes to this website very soon, so keep checking back.