There has been much attention garnered towards trans-fats.
But what are they and why are they getting so much attention? Trans-fats They are generally the types of manufactured oils that we consume and are found in the foods that we eat.
They are usually found in the forms of hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated, and fractionated.
To keep it simple, a vegetable oil such as soybean or palm oil is pumped with hydrogen at very high temperatures in order to transform the oil from liquid to a solid.
These oils are used to prolong the shelf life of foods and to create a desired texture for a food.
What's the bad rap? Trans-fats are not healthy for you.
It is recommended that you stay completely clear from them.
They increase LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).
They interfere with metabolic functions.
They don't help you at all.
How do I locate them? Look out for these ingredients next time you look for foods in the supermarket.
-Hydrogenated oils -Partially hydrogenated oils -Fractionated oils -Margarine -Vegetable shortening Be careful when you cook with oils.
Generally speaking when you let the oil smoke for a long time chances are you are increasing the chances of developing trans-fats into the cooking oil.
Either use a higher smoke oil like rapeseed oil or don't allow the oil to smoke at all.
Lastly, deep fried foods that are coated with batter and submerged in hot oil are not healthy for you at all.
Those oils are repeatedly heated to high temperatures developing them into the oils.
Lookout and be careful for trans-fats.
They are not your friend.
They don't care about you.
And don't buy food products with trans-fats in them.
The food makers don't care about your health.
They are out to make a buck at your expense.
I wish I was lying to you but this is the world we live in.
Josue