Trans fats

1. Trans fats definition and method of formation

2. Is it even the configuration of cis and trans that makes the difference?

3. Trans fats in your daily diet

4. The health effects of trans fats

1. Trans fats definition and method of formation

Trans fats are produced as a result of an industrial hydrogenation process to which vegetable oils are subjected and contain unsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fat acids contain at least one double bond in the molecules. The way the atoms are placed within this bond determines the types, they are divided into: acids with a cis configuration, acids with trans?? configuration. The unsaturates naturally present in vegetable oil have an advantageous configuration which results in the hydrogenation (transwarding) process, but the transformation of the fats into fats occurs during this transition process.

2. Is it even the configuration of cis and trans that makes the difference?

It may seem that the change in substitutes for double bonds is a small and insignificant modification. However, in reality it significantly affects the quality of fat, alters its properties: any healthful, all-healthy characteristics of unsaturated fatty acids are determined by the cis configuration, technological, unsaturate trans fats, as opposed to cis isomers, have a constant consistency, are more resistant to light and temperature (which gives them a periodic importance), have a delicate, creamy flavor, can be widely used.

3. Trans fats in your daily diet

Among the products most abundant in trans fats are: salt snacks: chips, pulses, crumbs, salt cookies, popcorn, etc., confectionery products: doughnuts, cakes and pastries, unfortunately also those made at home on the basis of such popular hard bone margarines (cup margarines usually have a small amount of trans fat, but you should read the labels); but other sweets: biscuits, teas, chocolate; fast food, soups and sauces in powder, ready food.

4. The health effects of trans fats

To understand the essence of the problem of excessive consumption of trans fats, it is necessary to know their effects on the body. Consumption of these fats can lead to: heart disease and cardiovascular disease, not only raising the level of the so-called bad LDL cholesterol, but also lowering the concentration of its good fraction, leading to atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and other serious diseases; obesity, especially abdominal fat, which can, as a consequence, lead to heart disease or diabetes. It is also believed that excessive intake of trans fat increases the risk of manufacturers of high-type 2 diabetes products, including diabetes mellitus and, most likely, low-fat trans fat products. In some countries in the EU in October 2021, there will be a maximum of 2% regulation on trans fat consumption in relation to the high-fat diet.