Trans Fats:

What Are Trans Fatty Acids?

They are man-made or processed fats, which are made from a liquid oil. When you add hydrogen to liquid vegetable oil and then add pressure, the result is a stiffer fat, like the fat found in a can of Crisco. Trans fats are also called hydrogenated fats.

Many manufacturers started including trans fats in their processed foods about 20 years ago to prolong their products' shelf life, but public health experts warn that these kinds of fats clog arteries and cause obesity.

Numerous studies have found that trans fats raise our risk of heart disease. They can also contribute to an increase in total cholesterol levels and a drop in the healthy HDL cholesterol. These man-made fats are much worse for you than any other natural fat, even the saturated fats found in butter and beef.

Why Are They Bad For You?

Trans fats pose a higher risk of heart disease than saturated fats, which were once believed to be the worst kind of fats. While it is true that saturated fats -- found in butter, cheese and beef, for example -- raise total cholesterol levels, trans fats go a step further. Trans fats not only raise total cholesterol levels, they also deplete good cholesterol (HDL), which helps protect against heart disease.

What Harm Do They Do To The Body?

The stiffer and harder fats are, the more they clog up your arteries. Artificial trans fats do the same thing in our bodies that bacon grease does to kitchen sinks. Over time, they can "clog the pipes" that feed the heart and brain, which can lead to heart attack or stroke risk.

According to the comprehensive Nurses' Health Study -- the largest investigation of women and chronic disease -- trans fats double the risk of heart disease in women.

Why Have Trans Fatty Acids Been Put In So Many Food Products?

No human body has any need for these man-made fats. Food manufacturers started putting them in products because they allow for a longer shelf life. Crackers, for example, can stay on the shelf and stay crispy for years in part because of the hydrogenated fats in them.

Categories Of Foods That Are Likely To Have Trans Fats:

Fast foods - fried chicken, biscuits, fried fish sandwiches, French fries, fried apple or other pie desserts
Donuts, muffins
Crackers
Many cookies
Cake, cake icing, and pie
Microwave popped corn
Canned biscuits
International and instant latte coffee beverages

Trans Fats Information: J.M.Yarlott - Diets High In Trans Fat May Lead To Disease & Death

Trans Fats Information: Dr. Mercola 1/16/2000 - Canola Oil Update

Trans Fats Information: Dr. Mercola 6/10/2000 - The Dangers Of Trans Fats

Trans Fats Information: Dr. Mercola 10/8/2000 - Margarine And Heart Attack Risk

Trans Fats Information: Dr. Mercola 3/21/2001 - Trans Fatty Acid Dangers

Trans Fats Information: Dr. Mercola 3/31/2001 - Why Butter Is Better

Trans Fats Information: Dr. Mercola 6/16/2001 - Trans Fats Increase Diabetes Risk

Trans Fats Information: Dr. Mercola 6/27/2001 - Trans Fats Increase Allergies

Trans Fats Information: Dr. Mercola 7/21/2001 - Trans Fat Worse Than Saturated Fat

Trans Fats Information: Dr. Mercola 8/1/2001 - Polyunsaturated Fats Contribute To Asthma

Trans Fats Information: Dr. Mercola 10/3/2001 - Increase Risk Of Blindness

Trans Fats Information: Dr. Mercola 7/27/2002 - No Safe Level