Hydrogenated oils are regular oils that have been infused with hydrogen to extend the shelf-life of products.

Its health consequences have reached public policy, just like smoking. 

It is banned in New York City restaurants and other cities are considering such bans.

 What’s the big deal? Hydrogenated oils:

• deplete essential nutrients in your food
• feeds certain cancers and tumors
• raises LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol
• impair brain function and damages brain cells
• clog blood, makes blood cells stick together
• cause the creation of free radicals that promote inflammation
• directly damages blood vessels
• cause high blood pressure
• weaken cell walls and compromises cellular structure  

 Read the labelHydrogenated oils are found in many processed foods, including crackers, pastries, many snack and convenient foods.If the label has any ingredient that starts with: “partially hydrogenated”, “hydrogenated”, or “fractionated”, it contains hydrogenated oils (which are a form of trans fat).CautionThe front of the package may say “No Trans Fat”.  This simply means that there is .5 grams or less of Trans fat for a typical serving.  You may have 3-4 servings of that item, which would equal 1.5-2g of trans fats.  So, read the ingredients.  The front of the package is not reliable.Unlike other in our diet, which are essential to health, there is no safe amount of trans fats recommended to be included in your diet.    

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