Trans Fat Explained
How Trans Fat Affect Your Body, Health & Fitness.
Trans fats are one of the three types of fats. Unsaturated fats are considered good for health and saturated fats not so good. Of the three, trans fats are considered are the most harmful for your body. It is important to keep an eye on the food you eat, so you can eliminate fats that are not good for you.
What Are Trans Fats?
Trans fats are actually a type of unsaturated fats but are not good for health. There are two types of trans fats, one that occur naturally and the other that is artificial. Natural trans fat is found in beef, lamb, and in milk products. It must be noted that trans fats that occur naturally are not bad for health.
The problem lies in artificial trans fats. This is created when hydrogen is added to liquid vegetables oil so that they turn into a solid form. During the process, hydrogenated oil is created. This partially hydrogenated oil is the main source of artificial trans fat. It is bad for your health. This is why the FDA deemed that it is no longer safe for human consumption.
Why Are Trans Fats Used?
When it is known that trans fats are not good for your health, then why are they used? The answer lies in the fact that they cost less. They also improve the taste of food. This is why trans oils are used and re-used many times that makes it even more harmful.
Trans fats can be commonly found in foods like doughnuts, cakes, biscuits, crackers, cookies, and other snacks. It is important that when you buy a food product you check its label. You need to look for the content of trans fat that is listed. They would be listed as ‘partially hydrogenated oil’.
Why Trans Fat is Bad?
Trans fat is not recommended because of multiple negative effects it has on the body.
- Trans fats increase the levels of LDL cholesterol, which is the bad cholesterol. At the same time, it reduces the levels of HDL or good cholesterol. As a result, cholesterol increases and can increase the risk of heart disease.
- Trans fat food are high in calories. As a result, they can cause weight gain. Increase in weight increases the risk of heart disease due to clogged arteries.
- Foods with trans fats can contain sugar and can increase blood sugar levels. A study showed a 40% increased risk of developing diabetes on eating trans fats regularly.
- Trans fat foods usually contain more of salt that can increase blood pressure.
Trans fats are best avoided. Even if you eat such products, eat them rarely and in moderate quantities. Look at the ingredients list before you buy any processed food.
Why Are Trans Fats Bad? Very Bad! – Dr. Ekberg
