We've all heard the words hydrogenated oil and transfat in the media lately, but do we really even know what that means?

What is hydrogenated oil?

Oil is heated to very high temperatures then infused with hydrogen.  When a food is hydrogenated, it's molecular shape changes, making it solid and rigid. The hydrogen bonds with the oil to create a new form of fat - TRANSfat.

Imagine a bottle of vegetable oil and a stick of margarine or shortening.  At room temperature, the oil is liquid and the margarine is solid - This is hydrogenation in a nutshell.  There are so many problems with this - the biggest health risk being that hydrogenated oil produces trans-fatty acids, which are "twisted molecules." The shape changes and they lose any health benefits and instead become TOXIC.

These fats are so toxic that the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine said that trans fats shouldn't be consumed at all. The Food and Drug Administration says that intake should be as low as possible.

Yet, unknowingly, Americans typically eat about 5 pounds a year.  I find this appauling.  Is it any wonder we are all so fat and dying of heart disease?

These man-made fats don't exist in nature, and your body really has no clue how to break them down.  Once you eat something with this crap in it, all hell breaks loose in your body. They raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower your HDL (good) cholestorol.  It has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and cancer.  If you want to clog your arteries, this is the way to do it.

WHY DO THIS TO OUR FOOD?
Because we like our food to look good and taste good for a long time.  Hydogenated food has an increased shelf life and it also increases flavor stability.  Food companies love love love hydrogenated oil because their goodies will stay fresh way longer and will taste and look good.  Imagine opening your pack of cookies and they are oily...they sure wouldn't look as good.

TAKE CONTROL!
If you start reading your food labels,  you will find that just like
 High Fructose Corn Syrup, it's in practically everything.  Go to your pantry and start reading the labels of the food you have - You'll be amazed at how many of those items contain either hydrogenated oil or partially hydrogenated oil - even the ones that you would think would be "healthy."

This is really what ticks me off - food that is labeled as a healthy alternative to junk contain this!  The things I used to feel good about eating - I find out now had this crap all along and it was going straight to my mid-section.

It's time to take control.  You may not be able to eliminate hydrogenated oil from your diet, but you can sure reduce the amount you eat simply by becoming educated as to what you are putting in your mouth.  Start reading those food labels and live stronger and longer!