Do We Really Need Trans Fats?

Trans fats are artificially created by adding hydrogen atoms to unsaturated fats at high pressure. This process changes the unsaturated fat from liquid to solid at room temperature. They are also called hydrogenated fats.

Trans fats are for produced in commercial quantities and used only for aesthetic reasons and their
more desirable physical properties. Although they are edible, they offer virtually no positive benefit to health. This is because the body finds it difficult to metabolize them. They are used because;

• They have a longer shelf life.
• They stabilize the flavours of food products they are used in.
• They do not leave an oily feel.
• They are cheap.
• They are solid at room temperature.

Trans fats were developed to replace butter and some examples of food that contain them are snacks, baked food products like cakes, doughnuts, cookies and pies. Margarine and most oils that are used in frying also belong to this category of oil.

Some of the disadvantages of trans fats consumption are;

1. They cause damage to the arteries by increasing systemic inflammation which increase the risk of heart disease and stroke and a lot of chronic conditions.
2. They increase low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in the blood and reduce high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. LDLs are harmful and contribute
3. They increase the risk of diabetes by increasing insulin resistance.
4. They increase triglycerides levels in the body.

The process of hydrogenation turns good unsaturated oils to solids which harm the body and they provide no energy for the body.

Some trans fats are found in trace amounts naturally in meat and dairy products such as beef, butter, milk and pork. These natural trans fats are chemically different from the artificial ones and can be metabolized by the body.

So, why should you consume or use artificial trans fats with their negative impacts on the body when you can use natural vegetable oils and butter? Natural fats are beneficial to health and are needed by the body for a lot of functions including fighting inflammation and increasing HDLs. 

Good food is good medicine. Share your opinions about trans fats below. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell for updates.