Hydrogenated oils have been used in foods for decades. These particular types of oils have the advantage of a long shelf life and high melting point, making them valuable for processed food and cooking. In the 1990s, scientists began to find negative health effects associated with consuming hydrogenated oils in the diet due to the chemical alterations of such oils.
Effects on Cholesterol
Two typical products that contain hydrogenated oils are margarine and shortening. In these types of food products, trans fats are produced when hydrogenated oils are chemically altered. A diet high in trans fats can increase the amount of "bad" LDL cholesterol in the body and lower the amount of "good" HDL cholesterol. The accumulation of "bad" cholesterol can block major arteries, causing coronary heart disease or stroke.
Weight Gain
Many processed foods contain hydrogenated oils--crackers, pastries, cookies and cakes--just to name a few. In these types of processed foods, hydrogenated oils are difficult to digest, causing trans fats to accumulate in the body. As a result, a person who eats a lot of these foods may gain weight and become obese. Obesity is a serious health risk associated with diabetes, stroke and coronary heart disease. For this reason, even saturated fats are now considered healthier than trans fats. However, according to the American Heart Association, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are the most healthful choices.
Diabetes
Another health risk associated with a diet high in hydrogenated oils is type 2 diabetes. Diabetes occurs when the body has trouble producing enough insulin. Insulin is essential in converting sugar and starches into energy. If the body has an increased resistance to insulin, as in obesity, sugars accumulate in the blood. As a result, symptoms such as poor circulation, stroke and heart disease may develop.
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