What does "trans fat " mean?

Question

and what is the difference with just regular fat?

Answer 1

Scientific evidence shows that consumption of saturated fat, trans fat, and dietary cholesterol raises low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad cholesterol," levels, which increases the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, more than 12.5 million Americans have CHD, and more than 500,000 die each year. That makes CHD one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

The Food and Drug Administration has required that saturated fat and dietary cholesterol be listed on food labels since 1993. Starting Jan.1, 2006, listing of trans fat will be required as well. With trans fat added to the Nutrition Facts panel, required by Jan. 1, 2006, you will know for the first time how much of all three--saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol--are in the foods you choose. Identifying saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol on the food label gives you information you need to make food choices that help reduce the risk of CHD. This revised label will be of particular interest to people concerned about high blood cholesterol and heart disease.

However, everyone should be aware of the risk posed by consuming too much saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. But what is trans fat, and how can you limit the amount of this fat in your diet?

What is Trans Fat?
Major Food Sources of Trans Fat for American Adults
(Average Daily Trans Fat Intake is 5.8 Grams or 2.6 Percent of Calories)

40%
cakes, cookies, crackers, pies, bread, etc.

21%
animal products

17%
margarine

8%
fried potatoes

5%
potato chips, corn chips, popcorn

4%
household shortening

3%
salad dressing

1%
breakfast cereal

1%
candy



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Data based on FDA’s economic analysis for the final trans fatty acid labeling rule, "Trans Fatty Acids in Nutrition Labeling, Nutrient Content Claims, and Health Claims" (July 11, 2003)

Basically, trans fat is made when manufacturers add hydrogen to vegetable oil--a process called hydrogenation. Hydrogenation increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods containing these fats.

Trans fat can be found in vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, cookies, snack foods, and other foods made with or fried in partially hydrogenated oils. Unlike other fats, the majority of trans fat is formed when food manufacturers turn liquid oils into solid fats like shortening and hard margarine. A small amount of trans fat is found naturally, primarily in some animal-based foods.

Trans fat, like saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, raises the LDL cholesterol that increases your risk for CHD. Americans consume on average 4 to 5 times as much saturated fat as trans fat in their diets.

Although saturated fat is the main dietary culprit that raises LDL, trans fat and dietary cholesterol also contribute significantly.

Answer 2

What Does Trans Fat Mean

Answer 3

Polyunsaturated fats when they are naturally hydrogenated, they generate a "cis" acid. When they are synthetically hydrogenated, there is an equal probability that hydrogenation will take place "trans" as well. That means that hydrogen molecules are added to the fatty acid on opposite sides of the molecule. To fully comprehend this, you need to take a second year organic chemistry class or understand what multiple chiral centres in molecules means.
The essence of it is that the shape of the fatty acid is one that most biological organisms can not metabolize.

Answer 4

During the hydrogenation process when hydrogen is added to a double bond there are two ways that it can happen. One way puts the two atoms on the same side of the chain (cis) and the other on opposite sides of the chain (trans). In biologically formed molecules the cis form is made. In a chemical reaction there is a 50-50 chance that either form is made. The body handles both forms differently.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What does "trans fat " mean?
and what is the difference with just regular fat?

Answer 6

If you want to gain a lot of muscle and gain some weight which you will from gaining muscle. Just eat more often and keep going to the gym. Don't eat to much and try to eat meat before you workout. After you are done working out eat fruit to gain protein. Either way no matter what you do, don't eat junk food. Get more here:

Answer 7

Trans fats are 'man made'. It clogs arteries and cant be dealt with by the body like natural fats can. Nasty stuff.

Answer 8

Eat better. Eat foods found in nature. No foods made in a factory. None.
Get active. Everyday do something. Walk. Run. Dance. Whatever. Get a dog, take it for a walk. Play with your kids if you have any. Get moving.
You do these 2 things then your weight will fall off. Learn more:

Answer 9

In the superstore, fruits are usually picked out much too soon. Some are rocks, many are bad. Some of the fruit and vegetables are right (zucchini, onions, garlic, lettuce, greens, and a few others) so I'd have to go with vegetables.

Answer 10

trans fats are bad dude keep away ok!