What are trans fats?

Artificial trans fats are made by injecting hydrogen into the polyunsaturated fatty acids of the oils from seeds such as sunflower or soy, to obtain what are known as hydrogenated fats.

With hydrogenation:

• Some of the polyunsaturated fats are transformed into saturated fats.
• The appearance and texture of the oils is altered, from liquid to solid.

Trans fats began to be used, considered at that time to be a healthy option in the place of saturated fats of animal origin, closely linked to cardiovascular problems.
In addition, they provided a series of advantages in the elaboration of products, like greater durability, the possibility to enhance its flavor and its optimum point of solidification.

Trans fats, a health risk

Artificial trans fats have ceased to be seen as a healthy option for the body and are now considered detrimental for various reasons:
 

• They increase cholesterol which is damaging to the body. (LDL)
• They increase risk of cardiovascular disease.
• They delay growth and the maturing of the brain
• They influence diabetes negatively, reducing blood response to insulin.
• They cause increased weight and obesity.

Source: The New England Journal of Medicine, July 2006