■ 27 January 2012 | 6:05 AM
Partially Hydrogenated oils: Secret foods that jeopardize your cholesterol
Do you have or want to avoid having high cholesterol? If the answer is “yes”, then you need to avoid consuming partially hydrogenated oils (aka Trans fats). A dangerous companion found mixed inside the ingredients of many commonly consumed foods these oils do more harm than good to your heart and overall health. Below, is a list of the well known products containing these toxic fats:
Boxed mixes: Cake, biscuit, pancake and cornbread
Snacks: Cakes, cookies, crackers, microwave popcorn
Instant food: Mashed potatoes
Dried seasoning mixes
Frostings
Shortening (think Crisco)
Margarines
Taco shells
Frozen meals
French fries
Frozen fast food meat or seafood products (i.e. fish sticks)
Microwave popcorn
Chips
Pasta mix
Breakfast cereals
Low fat ice creams
To understand partially hydrogenated oils, you have to understand Trans Fats. The process of making Trans fats starts with a process of adding hydrogen to vegetable oil (aka hydrogenation). The reason a processed oil or preservative is used is to extend the shelf life of the product (not the quality or health benefit but the shelf life). But for some obscure scientific reason this approach jeopardizes our cholesterol, raising it to unhealthy levels while recognizing it as a “saturated fat”, which in turn wreaks havoc on our wellness.
Once we understand that our body is very much like a “machine”, processing systematically whatever we feed it through food and beverage, than we will take what we feed it more seriously. For example, would you put water in your gas tank? Would you put sugar, oil, dirt, etc., in your gas tank, oil line, or radiator? Heavens no! But that is exactly what we’re doing when we feed our body ANYTHING that is processed.
Partially hydrogenated oils, trans fats, processed food, etc., are each good examples of “poor fuel” food resources that we’re feeding our body. Many people are easily deceived into thinking that these food products couldn’t hurt their healthy because they’re on a shelf. But think again. They’re on a shelf because someone is making a profit and not because they’re safe. If everything on the shelf had a “truth” label on it, we’d probably not buy it.
If you want to live a healthy life then start with re-thinking your wellness. Anything processed, in a box (with a few exceptions like rice, beans, nuts, grains, etc.) or can (again, with few exceptions) has been processed and built to last beyond it’s normal life expectancy. When you consume a “processed” product you’re consuming a toxic product. Instead of buying frozen, canned, or boxed products try disciplining your purchasing habits to buy in smaller quantities fresh products. Not only will your heart thank you for taking care of it naturally, your wellness will pay it forward to you later on.
Quick Tips for Wellness: Fresh is always best.
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Trans fats are not saturated fats
Pat Ferguson wrote, "The process of making Trans fats starts with a process of adding hydrogen to vegetable oil (aka hydrogenation)...But for some obscure scientific reason this approach jeopardizes our cholesterol, raising it to unhealthy levels while recognizing it as a 'saturated fat', which in turn wreaks havoc on our wellness."
Trans fats are unsaturated fats and the body responds to them accordingly. The action of trans fats in the body is far different from saturated fats. Google - "Enjoy eating saturated fats" to learn more.
Trans fats mystery
Thanks for your comment. See link http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/trans-fat/CL00032 for Mayo Clinics statement: "Scientists aren't sure exactly why, but the addition of hydrogen to oil increases your cholesterol more than do other types of fats. It's thought that adding hydrogen to oil makes the oil more difficult to digest, and your body recognizes trans fats as saturated fats." Diets rich in saturated and trans fats are known to clog arteries. Polyunsaturated fats are preferrable and recognized as good fats. While the debate goes back and forth, the blog focuses on the "mystery" behind partially hydrogenated oils and what they are doing to our bodies without our full knowledge. Enjoy!