by PRS

Created on: February 07, 2010   Last Updated: June 29, 2010

Trans fats are both naturally occurring and man-made.  While trans fats do occur naturally in most meat and dairy products, the amounts present in these foods do not give a grave health risk if eaten in moderation.  The real risk of trans fats come from the quantities we consume that are synthetic, or man-made.  Trans fats mainly come from foods that contain

partially hydrogenated oil, which is a synthetic oil created to preserve the shelf-life of many boxed or baked items. 

While polyunsaturated fat such as olive oil is healthy for the body, it cannot be used in packaged foods because the food will go rancid very quickly.  For this reason, food manufacturers ´poison´ our arteries with trans fats from partially hydrogenated oil.  Ever wonder why milk goes sour very quickly, yet a buttery pastry in a box can last 40 years?

The health risks of trans fats are numerous, yet there is no nutritional value or health benefit we receive from them.  The sole reason they are used is because it is very cheap to make, and it drastically increases the shelf-life of the food it is used in.  Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the United States, with roughly 25% of all deaths caused by heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.  The leading cause of cardiovascular disease is plaque formation in the arteries, especially those that provide oxygenated blood to the heart.  When these arteries become narrowed, it increased the blood pressure inside the artery which, in time, will lead to the artery bursting.  This will deprive the area of oxygenated blood, leading to death of the heart muscles.

It is important to understand all the wording associated with fats and oils.  Many of them are big and sound overly complicated.  Below is a list of some of the more important terms everyone should know when they are shopping.  It is important to notice that some fats are healthy and actually help to improve cardiovascular health.

1. Saturated Fat - This is a very unhealthy fat mainly found in red meat and dairy products.  Long ago, the majority of cooking oils were made from this type of fat.

2. Mono or Poly unsaturated fats -  Both are healthy fats that actually counteract the bad effects of saturated fats.  Found mainly in nuts, olive oils and avocados.  Always read the label when buying cooking oils, you want any oil that contains mono or poly unsaturated fat as it´s largest contributor.

3. Partially hydrogenated oil -  Very unhealthy oil that contains large amounts of trans-fats.  Once in the body, trans fats behave exactly like saturated fats and clog arteries.

4. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids-  Very healthy fatty acid found in vegetables and fish that help counteract the effects of saturated fats and trans fats.

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