Trans Fats
by Tanya Paulsen

Saturated Fats are the ones to stay away from, Right?

Want to know what is even more crucial to avoid than saturated fats?


Avoid hydrogenated oils, also known as Tran’s fatty acids and Tran’s fats. These nasty oils prolong the shelf life of packaged foods and cut costs in the manufacturing process. Technology has enabled food manufacturers to add hydrogen to a perfectly good unsaturated fat, thereby turning it into a saturated fat. Often cheap oils are hydrogenated to refine them, to preventing spoilage. This refining process can use gasoline, ethylene, methyl chloride and chlorination taking out any goodness that may have been present leaving behind chemical traces.
These oils can be found in everything from cookies and crackers to frozen and fast foods.

Cholesterol levels in the body are affected by Tran’s fat, there is an increase in the risk of heart disease and toxins and free radicals are released in the blood stream causing a host of other problems. A recent study done on the effects of trans fat on blood vessel function and cholesterol levels showed that the trans-fat diet reduced blood vessel function by 30% and lowered HDL ("good")-cholesterol levels by about one fifth, compared with the saturated-fat diet. Previous research has shown that Tran’s fats, like saturated fats, also raise LDL ("bad")-cholesterol level and increase the risk of heart disease more than the intake of saturated fats.

To avoid hydrogenated oils, be vigilant and read labels carefully. Don’t be fooled by the words “partially hydrogenated.” Some of you may be asking if a little hydrogenated oil is okay and I will give you a fact that should answer your question. Know that ingesting hydrogenated oil actually doubles the calorie intake and increases a women’s coronary risk to 93 %!

Reading labels and avoiding these foods is your only defense. When you see hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils (aka Trans fat and trans fatty acids) on a label you to know to stay away from it. It is also wise to be skeptical and wary about so-called “fat free” or “98 percent fat free” food items. The fact is that “fat free” items are loaded with hydrogenated oils. They are advertised as “fat free” since they are indeed free of fats when sitting on the shelf. Once inside the body, however, the oils are released and converted into saturated fat.

Check labels and beware of some of the foods like these that may contain hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils
-Margarines
-Fried foods
-Premade spinach and bean dips
-Cookies
-Instant soup mixes
-Peanut butter
-Flour tortillas
-Salad dressings
-Microwave popcorns
-Muffin mixes
-Granola bars, cereal bars

Now this doesn’t mean all of these foods have hydrogenated oils in them, there are alternatives and you get read the labels and make the choice.


Right Fats
Polyunsaturated Fats: These fats are also known as essential fatty acids (EFAs). They are essential because the human body is unable to produce them on its own. EFAs fall into three categories:
• Linoleic acid (LA), which helps the body make beneficial omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 is found in sunflower and sesame seeds, grains and most vegetables and fruits.
• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which spurs the production of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is found in flaxseeds, walnuts, dark leafy greens and soy products.
• Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), which can actually help reduce body fat by boosting the metabolism and burning calories. This member of the omega-6 family of fatty acids is found in spirulina, eggs and evening primrose oil.

There’s a good reason these polyunsaturated fats are classified as “essential.” They help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. And they can ward off a host of physical problems. Deficiency in omega-3 can cause dry skin, attention disorder, depression, low energy, arthritis and heart problems. Deficiency in omega-6 contributes to impaired vision, learning problems, high blood pressure, digestive problems, low energy, acne, and weight gain.

Balanced amounts of EFAs will improve skin and immune function; promote sleep; improve protein and amino acid utilization to help build and maintain lean mass; decrease fat storage – yes, that’s right! – and fat production; increase metabolic rate; decrease arthritic joint pain; and strengthen bones.

If you aren’t eating enough of the foods listed above that are omega 3 and omega 6 then you may want to consider supplements. Supplements can provide an excellent source of EFAs, and one that I recommend is the Ultimate Oil Blend from Udo’s Choice. This unique blend has a ratio of 2:1 omega-3 to omega-6 polyunsaturates and provides the synergistic amount of EFAs that promotes optimum performance. Research shows that EFAs can improve various biochemical and physiological reactions in the body and enhance overall performance.


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