Hydrogenated Oil: The Silent Killer
A fat is a fat, right? They are all evil enemies that go straight to our belly or hips, wrecking our beach trip. Or they sneak up during the holidays, causing buttons to pop and cholesterol levels to sky rocket. This is the wrap we like to assign fats because it eases our conscience. It absolves us of personal responsibility and self control. The fact of the matter is fats are very important for optimal health. They are required for brain health and mental performance, internal organ protection, hormone production and immune system functioning. So why have fats received a bad review?
First, fats are easy to eat. They are usually paired with salt or sugar, taste great, and pack a high caloric punch. Unless you are constantly mindful, calories run rampant and pounds quickly result. Second, in our attempt to defy nature and preserve foods, making it convenient and profitable, scientists have changed the chemical structure of fats. This process is known as hydrogenation, and the oils are referred to as hydrogenated oil, partially hydrogenated oil or Trans-fats. Such fats are usually found in commercial baked goods including: cakes, cookies, crackers, fried foods, shortenings and margarines, all of the easily accessible and tasty treats.
Sounds fine right? Well it’s not and here is why. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, diets high in hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils have been implicated in the development of diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Effects of trans-fatty acids on the body include the lowering of good cholesterol and increase of the bad, as well as increasing free radical activity (a.k.a. aging). Certain European countries have already banned these oils or are trying to faze them out of use. Some argue they are toxic. In essence, the human body does not know how to digest and metabolize these fats.
So why do we Americans still devour processed foods with hydrogenated oil? Are we that addicted to our junk? Is the food industry so invested in turning a profit that they keep offering us unhealthy eats? Are we still uneducated about what hydrogenation is or are we too cheap to spring for the real deal, the whole, un-processed, healthier alternatives? Bottom line, it is better to shell out more money on the grocery bill today than to pay out on future medications, hospitalization or at worst, a shortened life.
Topics: Nutrition Tips | No Comments »
