Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

There are numerous products in the market that claim to be 'healthy'; but the truth behind each product is revealed slowly, over time, when these products start affecting your health, and revelations are made about the actual healthiness of a particular product. Similar is the case with hydrogenated vegetable oil. Hydrogenation is a process by which the shelf life of oils is made to increase, so that it can be used even after storing for long periods. They can also be heated repeatedly that make them a good choice in the process of deep frying and cooking. An interesting aspect about hydrogenated vegetable oils is that they can be transformed into solids from liquids, which is how margarine is created. However, before you opt for margarine over butter, or any type of hydrogenated vegetable oil, there are certain facts about it you need to know.

The Hydrogenation Process

Hydrogenation refers to the process of adding hydrogen gas into vegetable oil at a high pressure and temperature (250 - 400 degrees C). This process transforms the essential fatty acids in the oil and results in the creation of trans fatty acids. These are unnatural fats that are not helpful to the body in any way. Though the process results in increasing the melting point of oil and its shelf life, there is no nutrition remaining in the oil. Further, because trans fats are an unnatural fat that is not accepted by the body easily, consuming it in excess results in the development of a lot of health problems. This is because several enzymes in the body are unable to bind themselves to trans fatty acids. As such, heart problems, cholesterol, and several other conditions can be developed by the body.

There is however, a type of hydrogenated vegetable oil that is relatively safer for consumption. This type has been discussed below.

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Varieties

There are two varieties: partially hydrogenated vegetable oil and fully hydrogenated vegetable oil. There is a marked difference between the two. The fully hydrogenated type is free of trans fatty acids. It is the process of partial hydrogenation that allows oil to remain in its liquid form and be used as an agent to cook. However, because the process is partial, the trans fatty acids are formed remain in the oil while it is used. Fully hydrogenated vegetable oil on the other hand, eliminates all the trans fatty acids that are created in the process of hydrogenation. However, in the process of full hydrogenation, the resulting product is solid even at room temperature. The amount of saturated fat is higher in fully hydrogenated variety. This however is of a variety that is transformed to a type that can be absorbed and processed by the body into a monounsaturated fat.

Margarine, the supposedly healthier alternative to butter, is created using the process of full hydrogenation. However, some varieties have partially hydrogenated vegetable oils too, which is why you should be careful even when consuming margarine. Further, if a product simply states that it is free of trans fatty acids or trans fats does not mean it is low in calorific value, or that it is fat free. Several other ingredients in the food may contribute to high caloric intake and result in weight gain and other health problems. Also check if the product you are purchasing has stated the type of hydrogenated vegetable oil used. It is not necessary that the product may be free of trans fats if the varieties are not mentioned.

It is important to research a little about new products that hit the market claiming to be healthy! Surprisingly, even after this revelation, hydrogenated vegetable oil is continued to be used by the food industry, though it is now mandatory to mention the exact level of trans fats in a food item, according to the rules of the US FDA. You may also see a lot of foods that are free of trans fats now. However, while the importance of hydrogenated vegetable oil cannot be completely undermined, it is obvious that there is more harm than good in consuming this too often.

In order to keep the health risks associated with this type of oil at bay, choosing to consume healthier varieties such as olive oil is a good idea. Olive oil is packed with nutrition, though it cannot be used for deep frying or baking. In any case, deep frying is unhealthy, and deep-fried foods should be consumed only once in a while. Know the foods you purchase from the market and what you are consuming, so that your health is taken care of.