Have you seen any food warnings lately about 'trans fats'? You probably have, because they're everywhere! They're usually mentioned along with saturated fats, and together they are targeted as the 'bad boys' you want to avoid if you don't want heart disease.'Trans fats' are sometimes referred to as saturated fats, because they act as though they ARE saturated. Yet saturated and trans fats are very,VERY different! Confusing? You betcha. But knowing the difference could save your health, and maybe your life!
I've already pointed out that saturated fat is found NATURALLY around your heart, in your cell walls, in your brain, and in the linings of your lungs. It is a natural component of your body, and one that your body needs. I also showed you that, chemically, saturated fats are stable, because the carbon atoms in them are all bound to hydrogen atoms - the bonds are 'saturated'. They are not likely to react with other compounds, causing free radicals. Saturated fat is found in foods such as butter, animal fat, whole milk, and coconut oil, all of which were consumed heartily before the 1950's, until 'warnings' were given that saturated fat would increase heart disease.
To 'solve' the problem of too much saturated fat ( which never was a problem - heart disease was rare in America until the mid to late 1900's), men took naturally unsaturated oils such as corn and soybean oil, exposed them to extremely high temperatures and pressure in the presence of hydrogen, and created a pseudo-saturated substance that the cells in our bodies CAN'T recognize. The process is known as hydrogenation, and the by-product of hydrogenation is partially hydrogenated oils, resulting in 'trans fats'.
Are 'trans fats' the same as saturated fats? NO. Trans fats are unsaturated fats that have been chemically rearranged through the process of hydrogenation so that they pack together more tightly, changing them from a liquid form to a solid form. Even though margarine may LOOK like butter, and shortening may LOOK like lard, they are not the same as what mother nature has given us! Though they may look, feel, and even taste like the real thing, they aren't!! The chemical structure may be similar, but they are still different! Trans fats interfere with normal cell metabolism, have been shown to reduce good cholesterol and increase bad cholesterol; they have been linked to diabetes, cancer, brain damage and obesity.They are UNNATURAL and our bodies know the difference, even if we don't!
Could it be that the rise in heart disease during the past 60+ years has NOT been from too many saturated fats, but from the extreme change in diet from NATURAL foods to 'refined', processed foods, unsaturated oils, and 'hydrogenated hybrids'?
Don't be fooled by look-a-likes that are as different as night and day. True saturated fats are NATURAL and healthy; man-made hydrogenated fats that resemble saturated fats can be deadly (literally!) Deep-frying in shortening is NOT wise.Using lard is much safer. Baking with shortenings is not a good idea either. My suggestion would be to find some coconut oil for all your baking purposes. Use real butter rather than margarine. Eating margarine is like eating plastic that has been softened, colored, and flavored!
Our bodies take a LOT! They are wonderfully made! But...they do break down, some faster than others. With heart disease and cancer on the rise, be WISE. Feed your bodies natural,live food given to us by our Maker. Your body will thank you!
For more healthy heart information, check out my home page at http://www.haveahealthyheartnow.com.
For more clarification on food myths and the effect they have on your health, check out http://www.haveahealthyheartnow.com/.
I inform people about some of the myths that are circulating concerning food as it relates to health, and provide suggestions that will dramatically increase the potential for living disease free.
I am the mother of 5 and grandmother of 6 girls, with one on the way! Married to Kirby!
No comments:
Post a Comment