Fats, also called lipids, provide energy for a body's cellular reactions. However, there are good and bad fats. Trans fatty acids have been linked to cancer growths. Because of its dietary concern, the Food and Drug Administration requires food manufacturers to list trans fats on servings for packaged foods. Although fats are a part of a good, balanced diet, consumers should avoid trans fats.
Structure
To understand a trans fat, a consumer needs to know the structure of a fat molecule. Fatty acids contain long chains of hydrocarbons. Trans fats describe the way the hydrogens are placed in three-dimensional space. Hydrogens placed on the same side of the carbon-carbon bond are described as cis. Cis is the healthy fat bond. Trans fatty acids have hydrogens on the opposite side of the carbon-carbon bond. The difference in the bond structure is significant in the breakdown of fatty acids for energy in the mitochondria of the cell.
Types
Trans fatty acids can be natural or artificial. Natural trans fatty acids are found in animal products like red meat and dairy products. Artificial trans fatty acids are synthetic oils made through reactions with the hydrocarbons in the fatty acid chains. Artificial trans fats are used in foods to preserve them from spoilage. According to the University of Maryland, trans fatty acids are responsible for obesity, heart disease and cancer risks.
Effects
High trans fatty acid servings lead to clogging of the arteries from raised cholesterol levels. According to the University of Maryland, these trans fats raise LDL, also called bad cholesterol, levels and lower HDLs, or good cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is associated with high triglyceride levels, and these molecules distribute fats to the body tissue. The circulating LDLs can cause plaque buildup on the arterial walls, which raises blood pressure and blocks blood to the heart muscle tissue.
Identification
Trans fat servings are found on the nutrition labels found on package food. Nutrition labels are required by the FDA, so reading the package label helps the consumer identify trans fatty acid servings. Trans fatty acids are found in red meat like beef. High trans fatty acid servings are found in fried foods. Consumers should avoid fast food restaurants and fried food dishes to lower trans fatty acid consumption.
Diet
Fats can still be a part of a diet. Consumers can avoid trans fatty acids by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat lean animal products like chicken and turkey. If red meat is a part of the diet, trim the excess fat off of the food to reduce the amount of trans fatty acids.
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