Know all about Trans Fats
What are Trans Fats?
Trans fats are a form of unsaturated fats which come in both natural and artificial forms. Naturally they occur in some animal products and are not considered as harmful. The problem arises with the artificial forms which are essentially hydrogenated vegetable oils and pose serious health effects if consumed for a long time.
Foods containing high amounts of Trans fats
- Fast foods like tater tots, and French fries
- Some spreads such as margarine spreads or peanut butter
- Some snack foods such as chips, baked products, and cookies
- Fried foods - including fried fish, onion rings, and nuggets
- Non-dairy creamer
- Pre-prepared cake frostings
- Vegetable shortening
- Commercially pre-prepared products, such as pie crusts, pizza dough, and cookie dough
- Some pastries, donuts, and pies
Adverse health effects associated with Trans fats
Excessive trans fatty acids in our diet has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Trans fats raise our LDL levels which is considered to be a bad cholesterol and lower HDL levels which is a good cholesterol. Consumption of trans fatty acids also linked with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Extensive research work is going on regarding consumption of trans fatty acids and their associated health risks to humans. If taken in excessive quantities, they may increase the significant risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, pregnancy abnormalities, obesity, allergy, interference with essential fatty acids.
