Polyunsaturated trans Fatty Acids: How To Use Them For Your Benefit

Trans fatty acids, more commonly called trans fats, are made by heating liquid vegetable oils in the presence of hydrogen gas and a catalyst, a process called hydrogenation.

Trans fats are the worst type of fat for the heart, blood vessels, and rest of the body.

There are also naturally occurring trans fats.

Here we cover the trans acids of polyunsaturated fatty acids origin.

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Table of Contents

Trans Fats Are Harmful

Trans fats have harmful effects on human health. For instance, it is increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Trans fats provide no benefits to human health and are not essential.

Therefore, there is no such thing as a safe level of dietary trans fat.

Naturally Occurring Trans Fats

Trans fats naturally occur in small amounts in the fat of certain foods such as dairy and meat. Naturally occurring trans fats, have not shown the same harmful effects that the industrially made trans fats have on human health.

Trans fats originating from the hydrogenation process are, by far, the largest dietary source of trans fats consumed.

Trans Fats Comes From Hydrogenation

The production of trans fats is a result of partial hydrogenation.

The food industry is using hydrogenation to extend shelf life.

There is widespread use of hydrogenated oils in prepackaged foods and in cooking in restaurants, particularly fast-food restaurants.

Our Articles On Polyunsaturated Trans Fatty Acids

Linelaidic acid (18:2 t) not heart healthy

Linelaidic acid is abundant in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Find out more about linelaidic acid in What Is Linelaidic Acid (18:2 t) & What Foods Can I Find It In?

Linelaidic acid connects to heart diseases. See the side-effect, but also the benefit linelaidic acid has in Linelaidic Acid (18:2 t): One Research-Backed Benefit & One Side-Effect

Linolenelaidic acid (18:3 t) in fats and oils

Linolenelaidic acid is a relatively neutral acid.

It is a component of fats and oils.

Read more in What Is Linolenelaidic Acid (18:3 t) & What Foods Can I Find It In?

trans-Polyenoic fatty acids

Fatty acids from industrial hydrogenation processes are considered harmful.

Learn more in What Are trans-Polyenoic Fatty Acids & What Foods Can I Find It In?

trans-Dienoic fatty acids

You can find trans-Dienoic fatty acids in natural sources like meat and dairy products.

But it is when the acid goes through the hydrogenation process, they become harmful.

You can find more information about trans-Dienoic fatty acids in What Are trans-Dienoic Fatty Acids & What Foods Can I Find It In?

Linoeladic acid (18:2 t,t)

Linoelaidic acid is a polyunsaturated trans fatty acid.

Find out more in What Is Linoelaidic Acid (18:2 t,t) & What Foods Can I Find It In?

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