Trans fatty acids: A dangerous obesity-causing agent you must be wary of when trying to lose weight.

Beware of the Obesity Killer: Trans Fatty Acids

Among the many types of dietary fats, one type that is completely harmful and offers no benefits is trans fatty acids.

Trans fatty acids, also known as hydrogenated fats, mainly refer to artificial trans fatty acids. Artificial trans fatty acids are a product of artificially hydrogenating vegetable oils, altering their chemical structure. They are more heat-resistant, improve food stability, extend shelf life, and give food a crispy texture. Because of their low cost and long shelf life, artificial trans fatty acids are widely used by food manufacturers.

However, artificial trans fatty acids pose serious health risks. A 1994 assessment showed that in the United States, artificial trans fatty acids caused 30,000 deaths from heart disease annually. In 2013, the FDA classified them as "unsafe food." In addition, artificial trans fatty acids can lead to inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, sudden death, and increase the risk of cancer.

High intake of artificial trans fatty acids also leads to another serious consequence: obesity! Studies show that even without an increase in total calorie intake, a diet high in artificial trans fatty acids still leads to abdominal fat accumulation and weight gain. Harvard University research also proves that consuming artificial trans fatty acids promotes obesity and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

However, in our daily lives, artificial trans fatty acids are widely used by food manufacturers in products such as margarine, artificial cream, coffee creamer, processed convenience foods (potato chips, cakes, cookies, biscuits, bread, pizza, microwave popcorn, etc.), frozen packaged foods, and fast food. Therefore, to avoid consuming artificial trans fatty acids, you need to learn to check food ingredient lists. Be wary if the ingredient list includes the following terms: cocoa butter substitute, vegetable shortening, vegetable cream, hydrogenated oil, partially hydrogenated oil, shortening, solid vegetable oil, etc.

Artificial trans fatty acids have no redeeming qualities for health. Therefore, to be healthy and to lose weight more effectively, the first thing you should do is to avoid consuming processed foods that contain large amounts of artificial trans fatty acids!