Trans-fat…???

Take this one, its trans-fat free….

Nowadays when we see the advertisement we see that companies like Kurkure, Potato Chips, Chocolates and many packed food are being sold on a single promise that it is Trans-fat free.

In this health conscious world people are highly cautious about what they eat, drink and wear. In this scenario people are in continuous search of healthy food. This term Trans-fat was not known to people till the last decade but today it has become a vitally searched ingredient just because it’s not good for health. But have you ever thought of that what is this Trans-fat, why and how it’s harmful to us.

What?

Trans-fat is mainly a form of poly unsaturated fat (fats having more than one carbon to carbon double bond).

In order to increase the shelf life of the fats and their melting point unsaturated fats are hydrogenated breaking the double bond to a single carbon to carbon bond.

Trans-fat are generated when CIS configured poly unsaturated fats ( Fats having hydrogen atom attached in carbon to carbon double bond on the same side) are partially hydrogenated (in which not all double bonds are broken into single bond)

These fats are called trans-fat because of their Trans configuration (Fats having hydrogen atom attached in carbon to carbon double bond on the opposite sides)

                             

Why and How harmful?

Trans-fat is called bad fats.

Fats are water insoluble and hence to be absorbed by body they combine with proteins forming Lipo-proteins which are water soluble.

Trans-fat is different from all other fats they are not absorbed by body and are neither excreted from body. Hence they get accumulated in our body. They generally get deposited in the arteries leading to thinning of its diameter. It ultimately leads to heart failure and death

Research has also shown that it also leads to Diabetes which has its own consequences.

  

Now the Question arises that when all know the dangers of trans-fat why it’s used. It’s like this….. Companies in order to increase the shelf life of their products they coat their food with fats. Then why only trans-fat and not the other saturated or good fat? It’s done to keep you pocket light as if they use other fats it will increase the cost of their products and ultimately your pocket.

So now you know all about trans-fats so now don’t forget to check the trans-fat in the packed food you are eating

Be healthy and keep smiling...... :)