There are many trans fats foods you must avoid for weight loss. In fact, excess consumption of trans fats has increased the risk of obesity, heart disease, and cancer (1), (2). Therefore, the FDA restricts trans fats consumption (3). But these foods are overconsumed daily by adults and kids worldwide.
Trans fats cause weight gain. And losing that weight can be hard as foods loaded with trans fats are addictive. You cannot give up eating them. Want to get fit, feel energetic, halt aging, and get rid of excess fat? Avoid consuming these 15 trans fat foods that belong to the bin instead of your gut. Scroll down!
But first, know why trans fats are bad for health. Let’s go back to basics and understand what trans fats are and what they do to your body.
In This Article
What Are Trans Fats?
Trans fats are unsaturated fatty acids. They are found in meager amounts in milk, butter, lamb, and beef. The chemical structure of the unsaturated fatty acids has more than one double bond and a “cis” (on the same side of the double bond) configuration. However, many food companies routinely use trans fats by partially hydrogenating the cis-trans fats. The trans configuration helps enhance the taste, increase the shelf life, and is inexpensive. But this “trans” (diagonally opposite side of the double bond) is dangerous for your health.
These trans fats lower the good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) and increase bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), thereby increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. They also cause weight gain, which ultimately leads to diabetes and obesity-related health complications.
StyleCraze Trivia Wilhelm Normann, a German chemist, was the first person to successfully carry out the hydrogenation of liquid fat, which led to the production of semi-solid fat in 1901. This semi-solid fat is known as trans fat.
So, it is best that you avoid foods that are high in trans fats. Scroll down to take a look at the 15 high trans fats foods.
15 Foods High In Trans Fats
1. Cakes And Pies
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Cakes and pie mixes contain a lot of trans fats. Though they may list 0 trans fats, according to the rules and guidelines, the companies are allowed to write 0 g trans fats if they contain 0.5 g trans fats per serving. And as you know, not many of us stick just one serving. Several servings can make you pile on trans fats and lead to arterial blocks in the long run.
2. Biscuits, Cookies, And Crackers
Biscuits, crackers, and cookies all have a flaky texture. And most food companies use trans fats to build the crunchy texture that we love so much. Trans fats increase the shelf life, which allows them to sell the product for a longer time and helps the buyer to store them for months. Make biscuits, cookies, and crackers using healthy oils and less sugar or a substitute of refined sugar, which are healthier than the packaged ones.
3. Margarine, Butter, Tallow, And Lard
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Animal fats like tallow and lard and dairy fats like margarine and butter are storehouses of unhealthy trans fats. A pat of butter contains 0.2 grams of trans fats, but we consume a lot more butter than just a pat of it per day. One tablespoon of margarine contains 2.1 grams of trans fats, and tallow and lard are animal fats used to make fries and other fried foods. At high temperatures, tallow and lard become toxic and unhealthy for your heart.
4. Microwave Popcorn
The flavored and crispy popcorn in the movies is a match made in heaven. But make sure you don’t get your ticket to heaven so quick! Popcorn, in general, is a great source of fiber and vitamins, but not the microwaved or movie popcorns. So, it is best to avoid consuming packaged popcorn.
5. Breakfast Sandwiches
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If you are in the habit of grabbing a packaged sandwich in the morning, you are probably consuming a whole lot of trans fats in the first meal of your day. The packaged sandwiches contain about 1 gram of trans fats and have other ingredients that contain partially hydrogenated oils. So, avoid consuming packaged breakfast sandwiches. Have a bowl of oatmeal instead.
