Why is partially hydrogenated oils bad

They also increase another heart disease marker called Lp a and can increase blood clotting and inflammation, which can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. While there is no consensus as to safe levels, the American Heart Association suggests limiting your intake of trans fats to less than 1 percent of your total calories for optimal health.

If you are eating 2, calories per day, this represents less than 2 grams of trans fats per day. It is important to pay attention to the ingredient list and serving size of foods because a company can legally call a product "trans fat free" if it has less than 0.

So if the serving size is one small cookie, and each serving contains 0. I recommend looking at the ingredient list, and if you see the word hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated near the top of the ingredient list, look for an alternative product or brand, or make sure to limit yourself to one serving at a time.

Fully hydrogenated fats do not contain trans fats but can be high in saturated fat, so they are safer but not necessarily healthy, and the word "fully" must be clearly stated in the ingredients list.

Otherwise, assume that the product contains some trans fats. Comments are moderated by CNN, in accordance with the CNN Comment Policy below, and may not appear on this blog until they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting. Also, due to the volume of comments we receive, not all comments will be posted. Previous question: What's the best way to 'kick-start' my metabolism?

You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment s and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity.

Partially hydrogenated oils contain trans fats that give them a soft, buttery consistency. Food manufacturers may use partially hydrogenated oil in processed foods, baked goods, and stick margarine because it lasts longer than regular oil and gives pastries a more appealing texture. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils were originally thought to be a healthier alternative to saturated fats, some of which are associated with cardiovascular disease risk.

But the hydrogenation process creates trans fats, and it turns out that trans fats are even worse than saturated fats. The trans fats found in partially hydrogenated fats raise LDL cholesterol levels the bad kind and lower HDL cholesterol levels the good kind at the same time. Eating trans fats increases the risk of developing heart disease and stroke and is linked to type 2 diabetes.

Heating and reheating partially hydrogenated fats may also be a problem, with a study suggesting that the amount of trans fats increases when partially hydrogenated fats are heated to to degrees F.

It did not matter what method of cooking was used. Trans fats are considered bad enough that they are required to be listed on Nutrition Facts labels, and their use has been banned in some places artificial trans fats are banned throughout the the United States.

If you live in a region where foods aren't required to be labeled with trans fats, look for the words "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" on the label.

Fully hydrogenating oils makes them solid, similar to the saturated fats found in meat. Fully hydrogenated oils are probably better for you than partially hydrogenated oils because they don't contain trans fats. Still, it's hard to say they're good for your health—less dangerous is a better way to put it. Fully hydrogenated oils are mostly stearic acid, which is a less harmful form of saturated fat.

Stearic acid has a neutral affect on LDL cholesterol levels, and it's relatively stable, so it's good for kitchen use. Fully hydrogenated oils are solid and waxy, so they're difficult to use.

They can be blended with polyunsaturated oils like soy and sunflower oils through a process called interesterification to improve texture and soften them a bit. But research isn't clear on how these interesterified fats impact cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk.

Both partially and fully hydrogenated fats are high in calories. All fat has nine calories per gram. Partially hydrogenated fats are concerning because the hydrogenation process creates trans fats, and trans fats are unhealthy in a balanced diet.

Partially or fully hydrogenated fats are often found in heavily processed foods —foods that are usually unhealthy for other reasons. Foods that do not have labels, such as fruits and vegetables, plus foods that are not highly processed, such as fresh meats and dairy products, are usually found in the outer areas of the grocery store.

Try shopping without walking through the aisles, with the exception of picking up some monounsaturated or polyunsaturated oils such as olive oil or canola oil. Looking to lose weight?

Our nutrition guide can help you get on the right track. Sign up and get it free! Department of Agriculture. Saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats. Iqbal MP. Trans fatty acids - A risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Saturated and unsaturated fat are the two primary forms of dietary fat. Their health impact is controversial. We examine their differences and effects.

What is hydrogenated oil and is it safe? What is it? Uses Side effects Foods that contain it Consumption Summary Hydrogenated oil comes in two forms: partially or fully hydrogenated. What is hydrogenated oil? Hydrogenated oil uses. Side effects of hydrogenated oil. Foods that contain hydrogenated oil. How much should you consume? Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage.

Is margarine more healthful than butter? What to know about coconut oil. Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. Types of fat: Can fat be good for you? Foods high in cholesterol: What to know Eating a healthy diet is one way to keep cholesterol levels in check. Is saturated or unsaturated fat better for health?