What's a Trans Fat??

Posted on June 30, 2010 - 3:41pm by Anthony N.
Anthony N. from Orlando, FL asks...
What are trans fats and what foods contain them?
Trans fats start out as healthy unsaturated fats but then get chemically altered to produce a very unhealthy saturated man made fat that can contribute to increasing cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease. Some examples of trans fats include solid vegetable shortenings, commercial peanut butters, margarine and many boxed refined cookies, crackers and cakes. Look for the name hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils on the package and avoid them like the plague.

About the Author

Jo Tutrani received her B.S. degree in Nutrition at James Madison University, and has over 20 years of experience as a nutritional counselor. Jo has worked in an array of settings, including hospitals, private medical offices, and corporations, and has lectured widely in her community. When she's not helping clients achieve their health goals, Jo can be found reading, weight lifiting, and spending time with her two teenage daughters on the beautiful beaches of East Long Island.