If you are looking to lose body fat or lower your cholesterol you need to stay away from Trans fats. Trans fats are when hydrogen is added to a liquid vegetable oil. This makes the fat more of a solid substance.
Trans fats can cause major health issues. Trans fats have been shown to clog arteries. Clogged arteries increase the risk of stroke and heart attacks. Trans fats raise the LDL cholesterol and lower the HDL cholesterol. Trans fats increase triglycerides. To reduce the risks of these health related issues, stay away from Trans fats.
Companies use Trans fats because they are less expensive and easy to use. You will find restaurants using Trans fats to make their food taste better. The oil is used in fried foods. Restaurants use this because they can reuse the oil multiple times.
When you shop get in the habit of reading the labels. If the ingredient says partially hydrated oils do not buy it. That is another name for Trans fats. Common foods that contain Trans fats are baked goods, french fries, pies, pie crusts, biscuits, pizza dough, cookies, margarine and even crackers.
It is recommended by The American Heart Association to limit you intake of Trans fats to less than 1%. You will reach this limit from natural foods such as meats and dairy products.
Teach your children the importance of reading food labels. They will carry this information for life. Teach them the importance of limiting the amount of Trans fats they ingest.
Best of health and happiness,
Dave Nevue
Reference:
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/FatsAndOils/Fats101/Saturated-Fats_UCM_301120_Article.jsp
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