With all the publicity and warnings surrounding fat consumption, it can be difficult to know what to look out for. Using hydrogenated oils contributes to significant negative health consequences, and keeping to a diet that avoids these oils is best for maintaining optimum health. If you're using hydrogenated oils in your diet, consider changing to non-hydrogenated products.
Hydrogenation
Hydrogenation is the process through which hydrogen is added to vegetable oils, according to MayoClinic.com. Cooking oil manufacturers do this to make the oils less prone to spoilage. Foods cooked with hydrogenated oils stay fresh longer and have a longer shelf life and do not feel as greasy as foods cooked with non-hydrogenated oils. Hydrogenated oils, however, contain trans fats, a notoriously unhealthy form of fat.
Trans Fats
Trans fats, sometimes called trans-fatty acids, are a form of fat that results from the hydrogenation process, and are notoriously bad for your health. According to MayoClinic.com, trans fats both raise your level of bad cholesterol, known as LDL, and lower your level of good cholesterol, known as HDL. People with higher levels of LDL have an increased risk of heart disease, the No. 1 killer of men and women in the United States.
Blood Pressure and Hydrogenation
While hydrogenated oils may not cause high blood pressure directly, they do have a negative effect on your health. Trans fats not only increase your risk of heart disease, but may also cause or worsen obesity, according to the Seattle and King County Department of Public Health. Foods cooked with hydrogenated oils may also contain high levels of salt and sodium, which can cause high blood pressure. MayoClinic.com also reports that trans fats also contribute to hardened arteries and increased body inflammation.
Fully Hydrogenated
While partially hydrogenated oils contain trans fats, fully hydrogenated oils do not, according to Mayo Clinic.com. Nutrition labels reveal whether a food was made with hydrogenated oils, and a label that says "hydrogenated" may contain partially hydrogenated oils, and thus contain some trans fats.
