What is a Trans Fat and What are Its Sources
The highest consumed source of trans fat in our diet is man made. Man makes it by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil, process called hydrogenation.
Hydrogenation is a consumer’s benefit in that it increases the shelf life and stabilizes the flavor. This convenience has now turned highly detrimental because it increases your risk for heart disease.
You may find trans fat in:
- crackers
- cookies
- snack foods
- some margarines
- vegetable shortenings
- foods made with or fried in partially hydrogenated oils
A small amount of trans fat is found naturally, primarily in:
- some meat
- dairy products
- other animal-based foods
Trans fat, like saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, raises the LDL cholesterol that increases your risk for heart disease.
Saturated fat is the main dietary source that raises LDL. However, trans fat and dietary cholesterol significantly contribute also.
- How to Reduce Trans Fat in Your Diet
- Saturated Fats: What Food Sources to Avoid
- What is Bad Cholesterol and Why You Should Care
- Olive Oil in Mediterranean Diet Make a Difference
- Cholesterol and the French Paradox
- Lower Cholesterol Naturally
- InHome Cholesterol Tests
- Cholesterol Lowering Assists