Trans Fat, aka Partially Hydrogenated Oil

Which is better: the substance in the blue tub or butter?

Butter contains fat. It’s true. Shortening contains trans fat. So which makes a better pie crust?

Name
Trans Fats (or {Partially} Hydrogenated Oil)

Trans-fats: This term is everywhere nowadays. Simply put, trans fats are a convenient nightmare. If you think they’ve been banned, read on.

What they are and what they do
Trans-fats are the products of hydrogenation. When oils and fats are hydrogenated, they’re synthetically modified, producing artificial solid matter. Many food manufacturers love this artificial solid matter so much that they add it to every product they sell, naming it (partially) hydrogenated oil. Why? Artificial matter won’t expire any time soon. The shelf life of that product is now significantly increased. Is this good for your body? Not so much.

Consuming trans-fats increases your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and type II diabetes by increasing bad cholesterol and lowering good cholesterol. Trans fats slow your metabolism and increase your risk of obesity. They’ve been linked to cancer and neurological diseases. It takes your body 51 days to metabolize half of the trans fats that you consume. Trans fat actually meets the definition for a poison: a substance with chemical action that may cause damage to structure or function and could lead to illness.

What do trans fats do to the brain?
Since these synthetic fats replace natural DHA in the brain, they alter neurons’ ability to communicate, diminishing mental performance. Loss of fatty acid in the membrane leads to neurodegenerative disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Trans fat disguises
Have you seen the foods in the grocery aisles? Many are not exactly *foods*. Be on the lookout and avoid anything containing “partially hydrogenated oil” and mono-diglycerides. Both are trans fats.

What they’re typically in
Shortenings, margarines, fast foods, crackers, cookies, snack foods, cake and baking mixes, breads, peanut butters, baking chips, sprinkles, whipped topping, and a multitude of processed foods

Plenty of Partially Hydrogenated here

But aren’t trans fats banned?
No. The FDA defines any amount of trans fats up to 0.49 g as zero. That’s right, zero grams of trans fats may indeed mean 0.49 grams of trans fats. For zero to truly mean zero, manufacturers would be out a bit of money by using healthier ingredients.

Back to the pie crust question
It’s a matter of health and taste. Personally, I’ll take my chances on the butter (NOT margarine) pie crust. Check out this health conscious pie crust recipe. As for any baking recipe, if it calls for something with hydrogenated oil, I either replace it or keep searching for a better recipe.

Left one has partially hydrogenated oil, right one does not. Both taste delightful.

Want more?
The Truth About Trans Fat
The Campaign to Ban Trans Fats