 | ||
 |
 | Search Departments
More Ways to Shop
Free Catalog
Newsletter Sign Up
Weekly health news, sale announcements and coupons!
|
|
Library Home
> Food Guide > Trans-Fats
TRANS-FATS
Trans fats are produced through hydrogenation, a chemical process by which hydrogen is added to unsaturated fatty acids. Hydrogenation converts the unsaturated bonds in the oil into saturated bonds, creating a solid, spreadable fat with increased shelf life. Hydrogenation gets rid of some double bonds, but incompletely transforms others. These double bonds are transformed from the natural “cis” configuration to the “trans” configuration. Research indicates that eating trans fats is associated with an increased risk for heart disease.  VarietiesMargarine Margarine was developed in the late 1800s as an inexpensive alternative to butter. Typically margarine is made from one or more partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (soy, corn, sunflower, or safflower), but it may also contain animal fats. Packaged baked goods, crackers and chips Most processed foods contain partially hydrogenated soybean, coconut, or palm oil. Vegetable shortening Vegetable shortening is created by the complete hydrogenation of vegetable oil. Because the hydrogenation process is complete, the shortening contains very few trans fats. AvailabilityMargarine and vegetable shortening are available in most grocery stores and some natural food stores. Preparation, uses and tipsLike butter, margarine is used as a spread. In addition, margarine can replace butter in cooking and baking. Margarine should not be heated to high temperatures. Nutritional HighlightsMargarine, 1 tsp margarine (5g) (hydrogenated, corn oil) Health benefits and concernsAmong the most important dietary changes in protecting arteries from atherosclerosis is avoiding foods that contain trans fatty acids (margarine, some vegetable oil and many processed foods containing vegetable oil). Increasingly, the importance of avoiding trans fatty acids is being accepted by the scientific community. Leading researchers have recently begun to view the evidence linking trans fatty acids to markers for heart disease as “unequivocal.” Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are found in processed foods containing partially hydrogenated oil. The highest levels occur in margarine. Margarine consumption is linked to increased risk of unfavorable changes in cholesterol levels and heart disease. Therefore, margarine and other processed foods containing partially hydrogenated oil should be avoided. People with high homocysteine levels are typically advised to reduce their consumption of processed foods, meat, and saturated fats, because these dietary changes lower the risk of heart disease. Data from one preliminary trial suggest diets high in trans fatty acids are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Trans fatty acids are found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, such as margarine. In one study, people with a high intake of animal fat and cholesterol had a four-fold increase in risk of UC, compared with people who consumed lower amounts of these fats. Another study found that ingestion of certain high-fat foods (particularly margarine) was associated with increased risk of UC. Although these associations do not prove cause-and-effect, reducing one’s intake of animal fats is often recommended as a means of improving overall health. Health benefits and concerns for fats and oils |
| | | |
| Ordering Help | Shipping & Returns | About Vitamin Warehouse | Have Questions? |
New! 24x7 Ordering By Phone. Call 1-800-859-VITA (8482)
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Information about each product is taken from the labels of the products or from the manufacturer's advertising material. VitaminWarehouse.com is not responsible for any statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All discounts are taken from suggested retail prices.
Please see our Terms of Use
Copyright © 1998-2010 VitaminWarehouse.com, Inc. All rights reserved.