Hydrogenated oil has hydrogen atoms added to its chemical structure in order to form a more solid and shelf-stable product. Hydrogenated oils are present in many foods and are sometimes referred to as trans fats. Since hydrogenated oils are saturated with hydrogen, they are considered to be an unhealthy type of fat. The American Heart Association recommends that people limit trans fat to less than 1 percent of their total daily calories since hydrogenated fats raise cholesterol levels and thus increases the risk for heart disease.
Animal Products
Animal products naturally contain some amount of trans fat. Examples of animal products that contain trans fat include beef, pork and lamb. Trans fat is found in the stomach of sheep and cattle and the total amount of trans fat found in the body fat of these animals is 4 to 11 percent according to Penn State University. If several servings of these animal products are consumed, it is easy to eat an excess amount of hydrogenated oils. Maintaining a low intake of saturated fat is a rule to remember to keep intake of trans fat low.
Vegetable Oils
Vegetable oil contains a mix of fat including saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. When vegetable oils become hydrogenated, these oils quickly become the primary source of trans fatty acids in our diets. According to Penn State, vegetable oil contributes 80 to 90 percent of the trans fatty acids we eat. Stick margarine is an example of a product that is a rich source of hydrogenated oils. Butter contains about 4 to 11 percent trans fatty acids. Reading labels on these products is critical to ensure daily intake of trans fat is less than 1 percent of total calories.
Fried Foods and Baked Goods
Trans fats is especially found in fried foods including French fries, doughnuts, snack foods and baked goods. Baked goods with trans fat includes pastries, pie crusts, biscuits, pizza dough, cookies and crackers. Many of these foods are made with shortening, butter and palm oil, which are sources of trans fat.
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