trans fats

• trans fats are vegetable oils which have been processed to make them hard
• it is done by passing hydrogen through a liquid oil
• the process of hydrogenation turns the liquid oil into a solid or semi-solid fat known as a trans fat
• hydrogenation makes fats less healthy as it produces trans-fatty acids which converts the healthy unsaturated fats of the veg oil to solid saturated fats
• trans fats are partially hydrogenated
• they can lead to coronary heart disease, obesity and bone disorders
• they are used in cakes, biscuits and convenience foods as they increase the shelf life of the product
• you have to check the ingredients for 'partially hydrogenated' or 'shortening'