What is partially hydrogenated oil? Why is it a health risk?

Answer 1

Some fatty acids (omega 3's & omega 6's) have uses in the cell membranes and in the cell nuclei. Much of the functions of these molecules is because of their shape due to the missing hydrogen bonds being on the same side of the molecule.

If the molecule is twisted to where the missing hydrogen bonds are across from each other, they will be in the "trans" (latin for across) configuration (making them trans-fatty acids). This can happen in the partial hydrogenation process where hydrogen is infused back into some on the bonds under intense heat and pressure.

These molecules will have the wrong shape and cause cellular damage when the body tries to use them in the cellular functions. This can lead to problems such as weak tissue, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Here is a link to info about essential fats and the hazards about trans fatty acids.

http://www.spartafit.com/nutrition/essential%20fats.htm

Answer 2

Any hydrogenated oil is a health risk, it's the sort that clogs up your arteries, that and trans fats, which are even worse. Olive oil and canola are probably the best ordinary oils to use, though there are others such as grapeseed which are pretty good I'm told. Most often chips and fries are made with hydrogenated fats. Palm oil (Palmoleon) is often used and is bad for you. So is coconut oil.

Answer 3

It's a Trans-Fat oil...it is used by the food industry to prolong the shelf-life of the foods we eat. It's terrible for you. It's the stuff used by the fast food industry (and every food industry now for that matter). It takes out all of the healthy fats (omega 3's and such) and creates a solid fat. Hydrogenated and Partially Hydrogenated oils are banned in Europe and Canada and are up for consideration in the United States (they're the reason we're the fattest nation). They are terrible for diabetics and can cause the sugar to spike to astronomical proportions. They are also a leading cause of Coronary Heart Disease and responsible for clogging the arteries...when eating anything with partially hydrogenated oil you're eating solid fat...watch out.

Answer 4

Partially hydrogenated oil is synthetically hydrogenated. That means that it contains trans fats. They are things that the body does not know what to do with.