The Low-Down on Trans Fat
Read to learn more about the potential harm of trans fat

Trans fat is created when manufacturers add hydrogen to vegetable oil--a process called hydrogenation. Hydrogenation increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods containing these fats. Trans fat may be found in vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, cookies, snack foods, and other foods made with or fried in partially hydrogenated oils. Unlike other fats, most of trans fat is formed when food manufacturers turn liquid oils into solid fats like shortening and hard margarine, although a small amount of trans fat is found naturally, primarily in some animal-based foods.

Like saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, trans fat raises the LDL cholesterol that increases your risk for CHD. Americans consume on average 4 to 5 times as much saturated fat as trans fat in their diets. Trans fat and dietary cholesterol contribute significantly to LDL rises, although saturated fat is the main dietary culprit that raises LDL.
All Fats are not created equal
While fat is a major source of energy for the body and aids in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K and carotenoids, certain other fats may be more harmful for you than others. Both animal- and plant-derived food products contain fat, and when eaten in moderation, fat is important for proper growth, development, and maintenance of good health. Fat provides taste, consistency, and stability and helps you feel full. Fats are also an especially important source of calories and nutrients for infants and toddlers.
However, while unsaturated fats are beneficial when consumed in moderation, saturated and trans fats are not. Saturated fat and trans fat raise LDL cholesterol levels in the blood and may thereby increase risk of heart disease. It is therefore advisable to choose foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol as part of a healthy diet.
Dealing with saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol
Always check the Nutritional Facts panel when comparing foods, and choose the food with the lower amounts of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. Experts recommend keeping your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol as low as possible while consuming a nutritionally adequate diet. Experts recognize the impracticality of eliminating these three elements altogether from your diet, as they are found in almost all ordinary foods to some degree.
Starting January 2006, food manufacturers were required to list trans fat on all their products. With the addition of trans fat to the Nutrition Facts panel, you can review your food choices and have a better idea of how the fat figures into your overall diet.
Be sure to check the Nutrition Facts panel because even similar foods can vary in calories, ingredients, nutrients, and the size and number of servings in a package.