Do you consume take-away or processed foods containing fats labeled as "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated"? When you eat packaged biscuits, muesli bars, margarine (including olive oil margarines), or any foods out of packets, bottles, or cans, you might be surprised to learn that these products potentially contain hydrogenated fats.
Do you consume take-away or processed foods containing fats labeled as “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated”? When you eat packaged biscuits, muesli bars, margarine (including olive oil margarines), or any foods out of packets, bottles, or cans, you might be surprised to learn that these products potentially contain hydrogenated fats.
Check the label: if it says “contains hydrogenated (or partially hydrogenated) fats,” consider avoiding these foods. Here’s the kicker: if the food manufacturer uses 1/2 gram or less of this fat per serving, they are not even required to disclose it. So, what’s the solution?
My recommendation is to eat less processed foods. Hydrogenated fats are banned in Sweden, and in 2006, the fast-food chain McDonald’s in New Zealand went “hydrogenated free” with their oils because it became mandatory to label foods containing hydrogenated fats.
Have you read our comprehensive article: “Healthy Oils and Fats” yet? This article will enlighten you on the best choices of dietary fats and explain why you shouldn’t believe the hype about eating a ‘99% fat-free diet.’
Man-made oils extend the shelf-life of processed foods. You’ll find them in pastries, cakes, cookies, muesli bars, nearly all margarines, and many fast foods. These unhealthy fats increase your LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. They also reduce your HDL (good cholesterol) levels. This is the exact opposite of what you want for preventing heart disease. Neither do they have any nutritional benefit. Even a small reduction in their intake can help decrease your future chances of heart disease.
Take a look at the graph below. It’s interesting to see that cakes, cookies, pies, and probably that slice of bread you have in the morning with breakfast may contain them. But wait, there’s more—margarine accounts for 17% of these shocking fats.
Try real butter instead; it’s better for your heart.
Don’t believe the slick marketing: since the introduction of these liquid “plastic” fats, heart disease has skyrocketed. We were told that butter was killing us all, but the truth is quite the opposite.
For optimal health, understanding the difference between good and bad fats is crucial. Stick to natural, unprocessed fats and avoid hydrogenated oils to support your heart and overall well-being.