 |
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
|
|
|
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
|
What's all this talk about trans-fatty acids? What are they? Where do you find them?
Hydrogenation is a process used by food manufacturers to make unsaturated fatty acids harder (e.g., when vegetable oil is made into stick or tub margarines). Hydrogenated fats are also less vulnerable to attack by oxygen and, therefore, less prone to rancidity.
A disadvantage of hydrogenation is that it adds hydrogens to unsaturated fats, making them more saturated. Consequently, the health benefits associated with unsaturated fats are lost in the process. Another disadvantage of hydrogenation is the change in structure of the unsaturated fats. During hydrogenation, some of the unsaturated fatty acids become trans-fatty acids (rather than the normally occurring cis-fatty acids). Trans-fatty acids have hydrogens on opposite sides of the carbon chain at the double bonds. This changed configuration affects the fatty acid's functions in the body.
Trans-fatty acids behave more like saturated fats rather than unsaturated fats. Research indicates that trans-fatty acids elevate LDL-cholesterol and lower HDL-cholesterol, raising the risk of heart disease. Epidemiological studies also suggest a relationship between trans-fatty acids and heart disease.
So where do you find trans-fatty acids? Margarines, especially the harder forms, contain trans-fatty acids. However, snack chips, cakes, cookies, doughnuts, pastries, crackers, peanut butter, and deep-fried foods contribute even more trans-fatty acids to the diet. By limiting your intake of these processed foods, you will control your intake of trans-fatty acids. Replacing both saturated fats and trans-fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats may be the best dietary strategy for combating heart disease.
All food labels list the amount of trans-fat (number of grams) in one serving of the food item. Remember to use all of the information on food labels to plan healthy meals and snacks!
Last Reviewed: Mar 24, 2006
|
Bonnie J. Brehm, PhD, RD Professor College of Nursing University of Cincinnati |
|
|
|
Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) |