TRANS FATS
Trans fatty acids are naturally found in small amounts in animal products; however,
the majority of trans fats in our diet come from the artifi cial form. Trans fats are cre-
ated when oils undergo a chemical process called hydrogenation, which solidifi es
them. This is the process that makes vegetable oil into margarine. Trans fat is also
found in cookies, crackers, french fries, baked goods, and other snack foods.
When trans fats were fi rst introduced into our food supply, they were thought
to be a healthier alternative to saturated fats. Many years later this was found to be
false. Trans fats elevate cholesterol levels, increasing the risk for heart disease and
heart attack, and are also linked to cancer, particularly breast cancer. The Institute
of Medicine has stated that there is no safe limit for trans fats in the diet and that
we should reduce consumption of these dangerous fats. Food companies have been
making efforts in this area. You will now see many packaged foods labelled “trans
fat free.”
Tags: animal products, arti, baked goods, breast cancer, cholesterol levels, fats food, food companies, food supply, french fries, heart attack, heart disease, hydrogenation, institute of medicine, margarine, saturated fats, snack foods, trans fats, trans fatty acids, vegetable oil