What is trans-fat?

According to the American Heart Association, there are two types of trans-fats found in foods: naturally occurring and artificial trans-fats. Naturally occurring trans-fats are produced in the gut of some animals and foods made from these animals may contain small quantities of these fats. Artificial trans-fats on the other hand are created in an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid.

The primary dietary source of trans-fats in processed foods is partially hydrogenated oils. Trans-fats are easy to use, inexpensive to produce and last a long time. They help give foods a desirable taste and texture.

What everyday foods have trans-fats?

Trans-fats increase the risk of developing many chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, hypertension, obesity and type-2 diabetes. Some of the most basic and most consumed foods that we generally eat almost on a daily basis may include cakes, pies, cookies, biscuits, margarine, creamfilled candies, fried fast foods, and doughnuts.