What Are Trans Fats, and They Bad for You?

Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that is created when liquid oils are processed to make them more solid. This process, called hydrogenation, adds hydrogen atoms to the oil, which changes its chemical structure and makes it more stable and shelf-stable. Trans fats are found in many processed foods, including margarine, shortening, crackers, cookies, cakes, and fried foods.

Are trans fats bad for you?

Yes, trans fats are bad for you. They have been linked to a number of health problems, including:

* Heart disease: Trans fats increase the risk of heart disease by raising levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and lowering levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. This can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can narrow them and make it harder for blood to flow to the heart.

* Stroke: Trans fats also increase the risk of stroke by causing inflammation and damage to the arteries in the brain.

* Type 2 diabetes: Trans fats can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by making cells less sensitive to insulin, which is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy.

* Obesity: Trans fats can contribute to weight gain and obesity, which are risk factors for a number of other chronic health problems.

How to avoid trans fats

The best way to avoid trans fats is to limit your intake of processed foods. Read food labels carefully and look for products that are labeled "trans fat-free" or "0g trans fat." You can also choose to cook with healthy oils, such as olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.

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