What are trans fats
Trans fats are the result of the industrial conversion of vegetable oils into solid fats or what we know as hydrogenated vegetable oil.
If you don’t know what trans fats are, we can help you. “Trans” fats are the result of the industrial conversion of vegetable oils into solid fats or what we know as hydrogenated vegetable oil. This is done by injecting hydrogen into the oil to make it solid. Its use is very common in processed foods because hydrogenated vegetable fats last longer without breaking down than animal fats such as lard or butter. Plus they are cheaper. At first, hydrogenated vegetable fats were used to replace animal fats because it was thought that they did not have cholesterol. Experts began recommending margarines because they believed they did not contribute to increased blood cholesterol. However, it is now known that trans fats increase the so-called bad cholesterol, LDL, and decrease the good cholesterol, HDL, resulting in heart disease. Where do we find trans fats? In processed foods. Those that contain the most: margarines, cookies and industrial bakery, microwave popcorn, fried foods, ice cream, packaged microwave meals, fast food. How to avoid trans fats? Stay away from fast food and processed foods. And above all, read labels and do not buy products that have hydrogenated vegetable fats on their list. Currently, labeling is very confusing, as many products only list “vegetable fat” in their list of ingredients and do not specify whether it is hydrogenated or not. Remember that vegetables, in this case, are not synonymous with health, and that most of the time, vegetable fat is trans. Some manufacturers are already becoming aware of this issue and already inform consumers when their products do not contain this type of fats. It is preferable to buy foods made with vegetable oil, so you are on the safe side. Since you know what trans fats are, you just need to avoid them. It’s not as difficult as you think and you will improve your health radically.
