Partially Hydrogenated Oil

Partially hydrogenated oil are not natural oils. They are processed oils that are prepared using natural fats and oils. The natural source of fats and healthy cooking oils are processed using the hydrogenation technique. In the process of hydrogenation what happens is that the structural form in the natural oils and fats called cis are processed. It is processed at high temperatures by bubbling hydrogen gas into them. This whole process transforms it to partially hydrogenated oil. Hence, changing its natural structural form to what's called the trans. You may be familiar with the term 'trans fats' as we often see this on the labels of all processed foods.

Although many food packages state that it contains 0 gram trans fats, they do contain a certain amount. It is not specifically stated on the labels as anything less than 0.5 grams is considered to be 0 and is not supposed to be mentioned on the label. This oil basically improves the shelf life of the food product and also is inexpensive as compared to something like butter. What these manufacturers do not realize is that they are trying to enhance their profits at the expense of nutrition, subsequently risking people's lives.

Foods Containing Trans Fat

Given below is a list of foods with partially hydrogenated oil. Knowing this list by heart is not what we expect you to do, of course. But it certainly make you alert when you are making your next purchase at the grocery store. So take a look.

• Peanut butter
• Bakery products such as cakes, donuts, muffins, cookies and pies
• French fries
• Margarines and shortenings
• Frozen meals
• Frozen meat
• Other frozen bakery products including pancakes, waffles, pastries, etc
• Whipped toppings
• Ready mixes including cornbread mixes, pancake, biscuits and cake mixes
• Frostings
• Instant mashed potatoes and corn
• Sauce mixes
• Potato chips
• Breakfast cereals
• Pasta mixes
• Frozen pizza and other similar snack foods
• Bread
• Crackers
• Noodle soup cups
• Low fat ice creams
• Bread spreads

Astounding isn't it! Many of us consume these things on a daily basis and are a part of daily diet and it seems to be unavoidable. More so because they seem to be harmless and, (so they mention on the labels), who could possibly think that breakfast cereals contain these trans fats! We also have a list of foods that do not contain partially hydrogenated oils in this article. Substituting them with the ones mentioned would be a wise idea to avoid all the possible dangers of this cooking oil.

Foods that Do Not Contain Partially Hydrogenated Oil

• Dairy products including milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream
• All fruits and vegetables
• Cooking oils
• Meat, eggs and fish
• Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables
• Plain popcorn
• Sugar
• Flour
• Chocolate
• Candies
• Instant soups excluding noodle soup cups
• Juices and other soft drinks
• Coffee and tea
• Pretzels
• Mayonnaise and salad dressings
• Spices and condiments
• Grains
• Nuts
• Jellies and jam

Are you wondering if only homemade food is permitted? And if you are completely forbidden to eat at restaurants and have occasional dinners and lunches? Not really, the biggest source (or culprits as I'd like to call it) of partially hydrogenated and hydrogenated oils are the fast food restaurants! Restraining yourself from eating foods loaded with trans fats at these fast food chains would be your biggest achievement. That's if you really want to bring down your trans fat consumption! Some of the good options when deciding on eating outside includes Asian, Spanish, Italian, Mediterranean and Greek restaurants. Many of them using cooking oils that include the healthy olive oil and also butter (not as harmful as trans fats). Foods containing butter is also a much better option as it is not as harmful as trans fat because saturated fat is better (does not mean that the theory of moderation can be neglected).

Partially Hydrogenated Oil Dangers

Consuming foods containing partially hydrogenated oil has terrible effects on the health leading to chronic diseases. It raises bad cholesterol and as an effect depletes the level of good cholesterol in the body. It affects the immune system and also leads to diabetes as it increases blood insulin levels. Trans fat or LDL also increases the risk of developing heart diseases, obesity, liver disease, ADHD, childhood asthma, learning disabilities, cancer and many other health problems.

Assuming that you now have a fair idea about partially hydrogenated oil, we hope you'll make a wise decision when it comes to food. Foods containing trans fatty acids are a big no no! Try to avoid them as much as possible. Please note that we are not recommending you to have unlimited portions of food containing saturated fatty acids. While monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are good for the health, saturated fats need to be consumed in moderation and with caution. Take care!