Dear Dietitian – What effects do trans fats have on the body?
Dear Readers,
We’ve all heard of trans fats by now, but what are they and what effect do they have on the body? “Trans” is a chemistry term that refers to the arrangement of molecules. In a trans formation, molecules are arranged on opposite sides of the carbon: carbon double bond.
Trans fats, which are unsaturated, are found in small amounts in animal products. The big offender has been artificial trans fats, like shortening, which contained partially hydrogenated oils. The good news is as of June 2018, artificial trans fats have been banned in the United States.