Trans fats-Some facts

by Tan Li-Anne
orginally published in Vaidurya Magazine in 2006

Just what are trans fats and how do you shop trans fat free?
(for more information on negative health effects of trans fats, read my article posted on this site called Good Fats vs Bad Fats)

Trans fats and considered man made oils. These are vegetable oils that heated to a high temperature in the presence of a metal catalyst. Hydrogenated oils have been doctored to have a longer shelf life and have a more solid consistency. To produce them, manufacturers take the cheapest oilsósoy, corn, cottonseed or canola. Often these are already rancid from the extraction process. Next they are treated at high temperatures (usually 260 degree C) and pressure, in the presence of a metal catalyst such as Raynorís nickel (a combination of nickel and aluminum. What results is a solid grey fat that needs to be bleached and coloured to look more appetizing? Traces of metal are also left in this fat. Nickel and aluminum are known to be toxins to the body in high doses. Then, soap-like emulsifiers and starch are added for a thicker consistency; the hydrogenated oil is steam-cleaned at high temperature to remove its unpleasant odor. The margarine's natural grey colour is then removed by bleach. Dyes and artificial flavours are added to make it taste like butter.
The partially hydrogenated fats are even worse than the highly refined vegetable oils under high temperatures; the nickel catalyst causes the hydrogen atoms to change position on the fatty acid chain. This chemical structure, rarely found in nature, becomes toxic to the body.


Warning! Does it have trans fats?
Fast foods, deep fried foods, baked goods; margarines and many processed foods are likely to contain trans fats. So watch for them in some of your favourite fried donuts, potato chips and crispy snacks. If youíre buying some of these off the counter, chances are you wonít know if trans fats are lurking.

Decoding the Ingredients List
You can be a little more vigilant with labelled packaged foods. If it mentions the words ìhydrogenatedî or ìpartially hydrogenatedî and vegetable shortening, it means trans fats are definitely present. However be aware that in Singapore manufacturers are not required to declare specifically the kinds of fats they are using and there could be trans fats hiding in the vegetable oils.

And if you're looking at US ingredients, you may have to look at labels extra carefully. Although a Food and Drug Administration ruling has food manufacturers declare the trans fats as a separate ingredient. Anything below 0.5 grams per serving need not be declaredóso some products may claim to be trans fat free but read the ingredients list, and you still may see partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated fats listed.

Also be wary of products that claim to have a shelf life for years while only mentioning that they contain vegetable oils. What are oils that are very likely trans fat free? Palm or coconut oil will be free of trans fat. Increasingly products from Europe are reverting back to using these oils in packaged foods.