Food

10 Foods That Trigger Inflammation

2. Trans Fats

Food Navigator

Trans fats are produced by food manufacturers through the hydrogenation process. When hydrogen is added to fat, it affects its texture, consistency, and shelf life. However, researchers have discovered that there is no safe level of trans fat consumption. As a result, it is advised to consume no more than one gram of trans fat every day. A classic example of trans fat is shortening. However, Coates claims that they can be found in restaurant dishes and baked products such as cookies, pastries, and crackers. Trans fats enhance your bad cholesterol (LDL) while decreasing your good cholesterol (HDL). Both acts can increase your chances of getting heart disease, stroke, or Type 2 diabetes. Trans fats are the latest bad guys on the block, so food makers have gotten creative with labeling. While many food labels plainly claim ‘no trans fat’ or ‘trans fat-free,’ a product can nonetheless hide a half gram or less per serving. This is where it becomes complicated because eating more than one dish easily exceeds the daily allowance of one gram of trans fat or less.