Why Are Trans Fats Unhealthy Chemistry?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Trans fats are the

result of partial hydrogenation of unsaturated fat

. Trans fats increase low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and decrease high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Why is trans fat worse than regular fat?

Trans fat is considered the worst type of fat you can eat. Unlike other dietary fats, trans fat — also called trans-fatty acids —

raises your “bad” cholesterol

and also lowers your “good” cholesterol. A diet laden with trans fat increases your risk of heart disease, the leading killer of adults.

Why are trans fats worse than saturated fats?

“Trans fats raise (bad) LDL cholesterol levels slightly less than do saturated fats,” says Lichtenstein. “But saturated fats also raise levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol, and trans fatty acids don’t.” Trans

fats may actually lower HDL

. Thus, some researchers say trans fats are worse.

Why are saturated fats worse than unsaturated fats?

The researchers reported that saturated fats

may increase levels of low-density lipoprotein or LDL

, or “bad” cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol in the blood may increase a person’s risk of heart disease.

What foods do not have trans fat?

Eat more

whole foods

like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lean meats, fish, nuts, and lean poultry.

Can the body break down trans fat?

Because of their particular chemical structure,

trans fats are hard for your body to metabolize

, so they aren’t a good source of energy.

Does olive oil have trans fat?


Olive oil does not contain any trans fats to begin with

and since the fat in olive oil is primarily monounsaturated, it is less likely to oxidize when heated. … Furthermore, it is not likely that you will reach the smoke point of olive oil when cooking or frying.

What are the benefits of trans fats?

Researchers have now found that a diet with enriched levels of trans vaccenic acid (VA) — a natural animal fat found in dairy and beef products — can

reduce risk factors associated with heart disease, diabetes and obesity

. Contrary to popular opinion, not all trans fats are bad for you.

What is high in saturated fat?

  • butter, ghee, suet, lard, coconut oil and palm oil.
  • cakes.
  • biscuits.
  • fatty cuts of meat.
  • sausages.
  • bacon.
  • cured meats like salami, chorizo and pancetta.
  • cheese.

What is the healthiest saturated fat?

  • Dark Chocolate. …
  • Whole Eggs. …
  • Fatty Fish. …
  • Nuts. …
  • Chia Seeds. …
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil. …
  • Coconuts and Coconut Oil. Coconuts, and coconut oil, are the richest sources of saturated fat on the planet. …
  • Full-Fat Yogurt. Real, full-fat yogurt is incredibly healthy.

How much saturated fat is OK?

Healthy adults should limit their saturated fat intake to

no more than 10% of total calories

. For a person eating a 2000 calorie diet, this would be 22 grams of saturated fat or less per day.

Why is saturated fat bad for you?

Eating too much saturated fats in your diet can

raise “bad” LDL cholesterol in your blood

, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. “Good” HDL cholesterol has a positive effect by taking cholesterol from parts of the body where there’s too much of it to the liver, where it’s disposed of.

Are eggs high in saturated fat?

But a

large egg contains little saturated fat

-about 1.5 grams (g). And research has confirmed that eggs also contain many healthy nutrients: lutein and zeaxanthin, which are good for the eyes; choline, which is good for the brain and nerves; and various vitamins (A, B, and D).

Does KFC have trans fat?

A Guide to Trans Fats.

KFC has joined three other chain restaurants in eliminating trans fat from their menus

. Chili’s, Wendy’s and Ruby Tuesday recently dropped trans fat, an artificial hydrogenated fat which increases the level of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream.

How do I eliminate trans fat from my diet?

  1. Eat more vegetables, fruit, and unprocessed whole grains: these foods contain no trans fat.
  2. Avoid deep fried foods. …
  3. Cook at home whenever you can. …
  4. Bake and cook with a soft, non-hydrogenated margarine instead of hard (stick) margarine, butter or shortening.

What makes a trans fat so hard to break down?

Trans fats are unsaturated fatty acids, or fats with

chemical makeups with one or more double bonds

which are stronger and more difficult for the body to break down.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.