2006-10-16 07:46:31 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
Hydrogenation is the process of forcing hydrogen atoms into the holes of unsaturated fatty acids. This is done with hydrogen gas under pressure with a metal catalyst at a temperature of 248-410 degrees F (120-210 C). Unfortunately this process produces trans fatty acids, which our body does not like very much.
what does it do?
Hydrogenation makes liquid fats solidify so we can easily spread them on anything we would like. It also extends the shelf life of food products.
where is it commonly found?
Almost everywhere you look! It is basically margarine and in it's "pure form" shortening (ie: Crisco), but you can find it in breads, frozen meals, donuts, cakes, cookies, crackers, muffins, potato chips, soups, sauces, french fries, ....
what known dangers are there?
Through hydrogenation, unsaturated fats become saturated fats, thus have the same capacity to do harm as saturated fats. This process produces trans fatty acids which raises LDL cholesterol levels, the bad cholesterol, while lowering the HDL levels, the good cholesterol in your body. This, of course, increases the risk of coronary heart disease.
is it necessary?
No, there are liquid forms of margarine that are healthier if you are craving that margarine taste. Also, more and more food companies are using non-hydrogenated vegetable oils, so look at the ingredient lists carefully. Do not be fooled by "partially hydrogenated oils" because even though they are half as bad, they are still bad.
2006-10-16 07:53:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is oil to which a hydrogen atom has been artificially added so that it becomes a solid and less able to decay. You might as well spackle it right into your arteries because it cannot be digested properly.
2006-10-16 09:46:03 · answer #2 · answered by iknowtruthismine 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's bad for you! when something is hydrogenated all of the carbons on the molecule have had hydrogens added to them. It is an artifical process that is not processed by the body as efficiently.
2006-10-16 07:50:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
very bad fat additive. causes heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. read about it on the net.
buy extra virgin olive oil. stay away from processed foods, including store bought cookies, dough-nuts, regular potato chips, cakes etc etc........the list is very long. Read your labels. Eat nothing with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.
2006-10-16 08:05:18 · answer #4 · answered by Dianne 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What used to be Dalda in India. Its vegetable fat in a solid form.
2006-10-18 00:28:00 · answer #5 · answered by Arun T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was on Oprah they said its poison to your body. More under source.
2006-10-16 07:55:44 · answer #6 · answered by unique562h 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋