What are trans fats and how are they made?
July 21, 2009 by healthbee
Filed under Health Tips
Trans fats are unsatured fats. They can be found in basically every packaged goods that contain hydrogenated vegetable oils, e.g. french fries.
For centuries we have cooked our foods with palm oil or butter. However, because of the high amount of saturated fats in those ingredients it can be unhealthy. Saturated fats can increase our LDL cholesterol. Saturated fat also contains “saturated fatty acid radicals”.
Hydrogenated Oils are bad for your health!
Diets high in saturated fat can be a cause of heart diseases, such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
Trans Fats – How are they made?
Trans fats are being created when an oil is (partially) hydrogenated. This process converts oil into a more stable form.
Fat profiles:
Food  |
Lauric acid |
Myristic acid |
Palmitic acid |
Stearic acid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut oil | 47% | 18% | 9% | 3% |
| Butter | 3% | 11% | 29% | 13% |
| Ground beef | 0% | 4% | 26% | 15% |
| Dark chocolate | 0% | 0% | 34% | 43% |
| Salmon | 0% | 1% | 29% | 3% |
| Eggs | 0% | 0% | 27% | 10% |
| Cashews | 2% | 1% | 10% | 7% |
| Soybean oil | 0% | 0% | 11% | 4% |
But also unsatured “trans fats” can be unhealthy. It will also increase your cholesterol and they are also a cause of heart problems.
What are healthy fats?
According to the mayo clinic Omega-3 fatty acids, Polyunsaturated fats and Monounsaturated fats are healthy fats. Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in cold-water fish, flaxseeds, flax oil, walnuts and especially fish oil.
Dr. Mehmet Oz recommends to use fish oil for cooking, because it is the healthiest oil you could possibly use. It’s also very cheap!
Best Omega 3 DHA Brands
- NutraSea
- Sealogix
- Omega-Cure
- Carlsons
- Nordic
