Trans Fats - What are trans fats?
Trans fats are created in an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid. Why do manufacturers use man-made trans fats? Because trans fats are inexpensive and give foods a desirable taste and texture!
According to the American Heart Association, trans fats can raise your bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and lower your good (HDL) cholesterol levels. Eating trans fats increases your risk of developing heart disease and stroke and increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Trans fats can be found in many foods including fried foods, pastries, pie crusts, donuts, biscuits, pizza dough, cookies, crackers, stick margarines and shortenings. Another name for trans fats is “partially hydrogenated oils.”
Caution – On the Nutrition Facts Label, a product can contain up to 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving and still be labeled as containing 0g trans fat! To completely avoid trans fat, read the ingredient list for partially hydrogenated oils.
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