Nutritional properties of Trans Fats
Energy :
900.00 Kcal / 100g
Category : Oils and Fats
Group : Cooking Oils & Specialty Fats
Composition And Nutritional Value :Trans fats, also known as trans fatty acids, are a type of unsaturated fat that has been chemically altered through a process called hydrogenation, which adds hydrogen atoms to liquid vegetable oils, making them more solid at room temperature. This process results in the creation of partially hydrogenated oils, which are the main source of artificial trans fats in the diet. Trans fats are composed of a mix of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, and they are typically found in processed foods, such as margarine, baked goods, snack foods, and fried foods. While small amounts of naturally occurring trans fats are found in animal products, the majority of trans fats in the modern diet come from artificial sources.
Health Benefits : There are no health benefits associated with consuming trans fats. In fact, trans fats are considered harmful to health, as they have been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels, leading to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Trans fats also promote inflammation in the body and have been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The harmful effects of trans fats are well-documented, which has led to regulations in many countries to limit their use in food products.
Culinary Uses : Trans fats are often used in the food industry to improve the texture, shelf life, and stability of processed foods. They are particularly common in margarine, shortening, baked goods (like pastries, cakes, and cookies), and fried foods, as they help create a desirable crispy texture and extend product freshness. However, due to the health risks associated with trans fats, many manufacturers have begun to reduce or eliminate their use by switching to healthier oils, such as olive oil or sunflower oil, which do not contain trans fats. As a result, many modern food products are now labeled as "trans fat-free." Despite this shift, trans fats can still be found in some processed foods and are often listed as "partially hydrogenated oils" in ingredient lists.
Types : There are two main types of trans fats: naturally occurring and artificial. Naturally occurring trans fats are found in small amounts in certain animal products, such as meat and dairy from ruminant animals (e.g., cows, sheep). These naturally occurring trans fats are present in trace amounts and are considered to have a lesser impact on health compared to artificial trans fats. Artificial trans fats, or industrial trans fats, are created during the hydrogenation process and are found in many processed and packaged foods. The majority of trans fats consumed in modern diets come from artificial sources, and these are the fats that pose the greatest health risks.
Shopping And Storage Tips : When shopping for food products, it's important to check ingredient labels for "partially hydrogenated oils," as these indicate the presence of artificial trans fats. Even if a product claims to be "trans fat-free," if the label lists partially hydrogenated oils, it may still contain trace amounts of trans fats. To avoid trans fats, opt for fresh, whole foods, and choose products that use healthier fats, such as olive oil or avocado oil. Store trans fat-free products in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness. Avoid products with long shelf lives that often contain trans fats, as these products may be higher in unhealthy fats and preservatives.
