The Trans Fat Cholesterol Connection
Trans fats have been getting a lot attention in the
press lately because of its negative health affects and the growing
obesity epidemic. Many restaurant chains and food companies are
reinventing themselves by stopping the use of trans fat in their food
products. But many people are not quite sure as to what this type of fat
is and how it constitutes a serious health risk, particularly when it
comes to cholesterol levels.
Trans fat is not a naturally occurring part of any food product. It is
manufactured through a hydrogenation process where hydrogen is added to
vegetable oil before it is mixed into different food stuffs. It has been
used primarily to extend the shelf life of food and because it was made
from plant oils it was thought to actually be good for you.
Unfortunately research has shown that not only are trans fats not
healthy but they also cause an increase in bad cholesterol levels.
Up until January of 2006 the amount of trans fat in food was not
required on food labels. Fortunately the FDA now requires this
information be added to all food packaging much like has been required
for saturated fats and cholesterol. This is important because trans fat
shows up in most processed foods, particularly snack foods and fried
foods. It can be found in cookies, crackers, margarine, cakes and
doughnuts, along with just about any food that is deep fried.
There are very good reasons to be concerned with the amount of trans fat
found in food with the most important being the effect it has on
cholesterol levels. There are two types of cholesterol; the good high
density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol, and the bad low density
lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol are a
major risk factor for heart disease because it is one of the primary
causes of plaque build up in the arteries. Plaque hardens and constricts
the arteries causing decreased blood flow and is a major cause of
coronary artery disease. It can also cause blood clots that can lead to
a heart attack or if it breaks loose a stroke. Ongoing research has
proven that trans fats lead to a significant increase in LDL cholesterol
levels in the human body.
Trans fat does just the opposite to HDL cholesterol, lowering levels in
the body. This is bad because HDL cholesterol's main function is to
remove the bad LDL cholesterol from the blood stream and return it to
the liver where it is disposed of. As your HDL levels decrease excess
LDL cholesterol builds up in the blood stream creating a higher heart
disease risk.
With this new health information many food producers and restaurants are
beginning to remove trans fats from their food products, or at the very
least reduce it. This does not mean you still should not be wary of the
amount of trans fat and cholesterol found in foods. Be sure to check
food labels and choose those that are lower in both of these things, as
well as saturated fat. Reducing the amount of trans fat and saturated
fat consumed can go a long ways to preventing high cholesterol levels
and the health risks that it entails. | 
