source: www.youtube.com
Mahalo expert Susan Hunt Stevens talks about trans fats, why they are so bad for us and in which foods they are most commonly found.
What Are Trans Fats?
Trans fats are created when vegetable oil goes through a process of hydrogenation. Using trans fats in the manufacturing of foods helps to maintain freshness in food, contributes to a longer shelf life and gives them a less greasy feel.cTrans fats are found in baked goods, such as muffins, cookies, crackers and cakes and in fried foods, such as doughnuts and french fries. Shortenings and some margarines are often high in trans fat. Many medical experts consider trans fat to be the worst type of fat.c
Health Risks
Trans fats raise your bad cholesterol (LDL) and lowers your good (HDL) cholesterol level, which makes them a major contributor to heart disease. A high LDL cholesterol level in combination with a low HDL cholesterol level increases the risk of heart disease.c Trans fats are also associated with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.c
References
Meet Our Expert
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Susan Hunt Stevens
Susan Hunt Stevens is the founder of the green lifestyle blog Practically Green. The diagnosis of her son's environmental and food allergies began a path that included a green lifestyle makeover, graduate studies at the Boston Architectural College in sustainable design and the creation of her website. Practically Green features a point system representing expert and real-life data by which users can measure their environmental impact and live a greener life.
How to Avoid Trans Fat
- "Partially hydrogenated" is another word for trans fat.
- If a food has less than 0.5 grams of trans fat, the label can legally read 0 grams trans fat.
