It has long been known that some food ingredients have a negative effect on the body.
Specialists pay great attention to trans-isomers.
These fatty acids are present in many popular foods, and even small amounts can have negative effects on health.
Trans isomers are nothing more than unsaturated trans fatty acids. Some of them occur naturally, but the vast majority are formed during the hardening (hydrogenation) of vegetable oils.
They provide food products with a longer shelf life and better consistency.
What effect do spenders have on the body?
Trans-isomers change the composition of cell membranes. As a result, blood vessels become less elastic. Their walls thicken and harden. This increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
These compounds also disrupt the balance between “good” and “bad” cholesterol, which contributes to many health problems such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and stroke.
In addition, trans fats contribute to oxidative stress. In this condition, the number of free radicals exceeds the number of antioxidants. This imbalance has many negative consequences.
Firstly, the aging process accelerates. Secondly, immunity decreases. This leads to the development of inflammation, which, in turn, can contribute to the development of oncology. It has been proven that excessive consumption of trans fatty acids leads to an increased risk of prostate cancer and colon cancer.
In addition, trans fats can reduce the sensitivity of cells to insulin. These compounds also have a negative effect on the digestive system.
They damage the liver and disrupt the intestinal microflora, increase the number of pathogenic microorganisms and destroy beneficial bacteria. An imbalance between the microorganisms inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract leads to many health problems.
Where are trans fats found? Avoid these foods
Trans isomers can be found in many foods. These include processed cheeses, deep-fried products, margarine, confectionery. Fast food also contains large amounts of these compounds.
If you want to check whether the product you are about to buy contains trans fatty acids, carefully read the product label before purchasing.
Pay attention to the phrase "partially hydrogenated vegetable oils."
If you see it in the product's composition, it is better to refrain from buying it. It has been proven that consuming even a small amount of trans fatty acids (about two grams per day) is harmful to the body.
For reference
Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that are in the trans configuration, that is, have hydrocarbon substituents located on opposite sides of the carbon-carbon double bond.
