How & Why Keep Away From Trans Fats?

Friday, October 28, 2011, 16:44

All the diet and fitness experts generally advice to keep away trans fats from your daily diet. But what are these trans fats? How do they affect health is what every health conscious individual would want to know. Today, we will discuss on this fat type and about healthy eating habits. Take a look.

Trans fats are also called man made fats as they are not naturally available in the plant or animal extracts. The fats are converted fats which have longer shelf life. They are often found in processed foods such chips, fritters, etc, etc. The companies use them as they are reasonably available.

They look very similar to saturated fats but contain hydrogen molecules that are formed after high pressure (over frying) and become solid in room temperature. They are called bad fats due to this property.

Trans Fats On Health

1. They are capable of increasing the bad fat (LDL) in the body and reduce good fat (HDL). They are worse than saturated fat as they affect the HDL levels.

2. Since triglycerides are a common cause for heart related ailments, it is said that these fat types increase the triglyceride levels in the body. The thick fat clogs arteries causing blockade and gradually lead to heart attack. It can also cause type 2 diabetes.

How To Keep Away Trans Fats

1. Check for the labels of packaged foods that say zero trans fat. Keep an eye on the cholesterol levels under the nutritional information. Avoid fried food as much as you can. Prefer eating home cooked fried food that is prepared with fresh oil.

2. If the list says 0.5 grams of trans fat, then there is absolutely no need to worry as most of the packets list these fats per serving, which means, more than two servings will also increase the trans fat levels in the body.

3. Avoid foods like french fries, pastries, pizzas, doughnuts and other bakery items. Think before you purchase margarine, mayonaisse, etc. It is always best to prefer brown rice and fresh vegetable salads.

Trans fats are any day poison to your health so avoid buying these foods and keep away these fat types for a healthy life.