Trans fat is harmful to health

Dear Melissa:

What are trans fats? Is it true they are harmful? Thank you,

--Dina

Dear Dina,

Trans fats are not found in nature with the exception of very small amounts produced in the intestines of cattle. The majority of trans fats are created by a chemical process called partial hydrogenation, which adds carbon bonds to a liquid vegetable oil.

The process creates an altered chemical shape called "trans" rather than the normally occurring shape called "cis". The result is a vegetable fat that is solid at room temperature and is ideal for food manufacturers because it stays fresh longer and gives processed foods a more pleasant texture.

Unfortunately, research indicates that even in very small amounts, trans fats can have negative effects on the body by raising harmful LDL cholesterol in the same way as saturated fats and lowering beneficial HDL cholesterol.

Common sources of trans fats include margarines and packaged foods such as biscuits and snack items. Watch out for any product that contains the word "hydrogenated" in its list of ingredients since it will contain trans fats.

There is still a great deal to learn about trans fats, but for now, the best advice is to try to limit your intake of foods that contain trans fats since these foods are usually higher in other fats and sugars as well.

--Melissa