Why does the human body handle cis fatty acids better than trans fatty acids?

Question

I know that cis fatty acids are much better than trans ones since the trans fatty acids are linked to heart disease, but I can't grasp the REASON why our body handles cis better than trans. Help please!

Answer 1

the trans formation does not allow the fat molecule to bend so it's more like a molecule of saturated fat. when trans fats are used to manufacture cell membranes and such they do not align properly with other cis fatty acids. basically causing weak spots in the cell membrane which allow virus, bacteria, etc. to penetrate the cell structure. this is why people that consume masses amounts of processed foods high in trans fatty acids are chronically sick.