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Q:
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What is trans fat? |
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A:
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Trans fat (also known as trans fatty acids) is formed when some hydrogen atoms are added to liquid oils (in a process called partial hydrogenation) to form more solid fats like shortening and oils for use in baking, frying or cooking. A small amount of trans fat also occurs naturally in some foods, primarily in meat and dairy products.Partially hydrogenated fats are used because they functions better in certain food applications: they give foods the desirable tastes and textures people expect, and may be found in some vegetable shortenings, margarines, crackers, candies, cookies, snack foods, fried foods and other processed foods.While dietary guidance and scientific understanding of the effects of trans fat is still evolving, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine (NAS/IOM), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) all agree that there is a relationship between trans fat intake and risk of coronary heart disease.
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