The Trans Fat Story

Trans fat is the abbreviated name for any monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat with a trans-isomer fatty acid. Historically only ruminant animals (e.g., cows) could make trans fats. However, humans proved far more successful in producing it in large quantity with the advent of Crisco in 1911. The process called partial hydrogenation adds hydrogen atoms to an unsaturated fat molecule making it more saturated and converts some of the cis-fatty acids into trans-fats. Okay, that is enough chemistry for one message!

Trans fats erupted in popularity because of their usefulness in baking and their longer shelf life. However, we now know that they increase bad cholesterol (LDL), decrease good cholesterol (HDL) and increase risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease. You should decrease your trans fat intake to trace amounts if not eliminate it entirely.

Follow these tips to get rid of trans fat from your diet:

• Read your ingredient labels on any baked good. If it has the words “partially-hydrogenated” it contains some trans fat. I have found this on several products that state “Zero Trans Fat” on the label. It should read 0.4g trans fat as manufacturers are allowed to round down.
• Avoid eating donuts, muffins, coffee cake and other non-homemade baked goods. I recently bought a cookie at the airport that had 3g trans fats!!
  
• Avoid eating fast food deep fried in oils that contain trans fat.
  

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans_fat