Did you know that partially hydrogenated oil may be lurking in thatmicrowaveable popcornbag in your pantry?
It may also be hanging out in the coffee creamer you add to yourmorning brew.
Unfortunately, many commonly consumed foods contain this very unhealthy fat.
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Here’s what you better know about partially hydrogenated oil.
What is partially hydrogenated oil?
Partially hydrogenated oil (PHO) is a solid form of vegetable oil that has undergone hydrogenation.
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This processadds hydrogen molecules to the liquid vegetable oiland transforms it into a solid at room temperature.
During this process,trans fatforms.
What are trans fats?
Vegetable oil chemically alters to form partially hydrogenated oil during the hydrogenation process.
PHO contains trans-fatty acids (trans fat).
Two types of trans fats exist.
Thenaturally-occurring trans fatsare found in trace amounts in foods such as dairy products and meats.
It is unknown how these naturally occurring trans fats affect health.
Partially hydrogenated oils are the primary source of trans fats infried and processed foods.
Avoid these proven unhealthy trans fats.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed PHOs no longer “generally recognized as safe.
“As of June 18, 2018, manufacturers cannot add partially hydrogenated oils to foods.
However, some foods may still contain PHO today.
What is the purpose of partially hydrogenated oil?
It was aninexpensive substitute for lardand butter because it improved food texture.
What are the health risks of partially hydrogenated oil?
These are startling findings.
Many manufacturers replace trans fats with other unhealthy substitutes such as palm kernel oil andpalm oil.
When possible, replace trans fats with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
Read the nutrition labels and avoid foods that include partially hydrogenated oils.
Ahealthier optionincludes monounsaturated fats like:
Further limit unhealthy fats in your diet by:
