Why do manufacturers hydrogenate fats




















As the name suggests, the oil is fully or nearly completely hydrogenated, which reduces the amount of trans fat in the final product. Unlike partially hydrogenated oil, the FDA still allow products to use fully hydrogenated oil as of In , the FDA released certification that states fully hydrogenated rapeseed oil is safe for sparing use in food products.

Though hydrogenated oils may be safe, it does not mean they are necessarily good for a person to consume. Products that contain them are often highly processed with added sugar and salt. A person should still avoid foods that use hydrogenated oils and opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins instead.

Food manufacturers use hydrogenated oil as a preservative. They also use it for enhancing flavor and texture. According to AHA , food manufacturers add hydrogenated oils to foods for several reasons, including:.

Instead of using trans fat or partially hydrogenated oils, manufacturers use a combination of different oils to enhance taste and texture.

An older study of over women found that consuming trans fat increased their risk of developing insulin resistance. As manufacturers no longer use partially hydrogenated oil and trans fat in their processes, they have switched to using a combination of oils, including fully hydrogenated oil. Some of these foods may still contain a small amount of trans fat as a result of the manufacturing process.

Since hydrogenated oil is found in highly processed foods, a person should avoid hydrogenated oil as much as possible. Learn more about healthful cooking oils here. The AHA recommend a person includes these foods in their diet:. In other words, a person should avoid eating highly processed food, such as fast food, baked goods, and other foods high in saturated fat, hydrogenated oils, salt, and sugar. There are two types of hydrogenated oil: partially and fully hydrogenated.

Partially hydrogenated oil contains trans fat and manufacturers can no longer add it to foods in the U. Manufacturers can still use fully hydrogenated oils in their manufacturing processes. Some research suggests that hydrogenated vegetable oils harm blood sugar control. One year study in nearly 85, women found that those who consumed the highest amount of trans fats, which are a byproduct of hydrogenation, had a significantly higher risk of type 2 diabetes 5.

Another study in people associated trans fat intake with a higher risk of insulin resistance. However, other studies give conflicting results about the effects of trans fats on blood sugar levels.

Thus, more research is needed 8. Although acute inflammation is a normal immune response that protects against illness and infection, chronic inflammation can contribute to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer 9. Studies show that the trans fats in hydrogenated vegetable oil can increase inflammation in your body. One small, 5-week study in 50 men noted that swapping out other fats for trans fat raised levels of inflammatory markers Studies reveal that trans fats can increase levels of LDL bad cholesterol while decreasing good HDL good cholesterol , both of which are risk factors for heart disease Hydrogenated vegetable oil may increase inflammation and negatively affect heart health and blood sugar control.

Although many governments are cracking down on trans fats, hydrogenated oils can still be found in many pre-packaged and processed foods. Hydrogenated vegetable oils are widely used in the food industry to improve the taste and texture of processed foods. Still, they harbor trans fats, which may negatively affect heart health, inflammation, and blood sugar control. Although many countries now restrict trans fats , this oil is still present in numerous packaged foods. Therefore, read food labels carefully to minimize your intake of hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Vegetable and seed oils are highly processed oils that are easily damaged during cooking. Some studies suggest that they can cause harm and contribute…. Canola and vegetable oil may seem interchangeable. But they actually have different…. As we uncover what hydrogenation is and why manufacturers use it, you will be better equipped to adhere to healthier dietary choices and promote your heart health.

Food manufacturers are aware that fatty acids are susceptible to attack by oxygen molecules because their points of unsaturation render them vulnerable in this regard. When oxygen molecules attack these points of unsaturation the modified fatty acid becomes oxidized. The oxidation of fatty acids makes the oil rancid and gives the food prepared with it an unappetizing taste. Because oils can undergo oxidation when stored in open containers, they must be stored in airtight containers and possibly be refrigerated to minimize damage from oxidation.

Hydrogenation poses a solution that food manufacturers prefer. When lipids are subjected to hydrogenation, the molecular structure of the fat is altered. Hydrogenation is the process of adding hydrogen to unsaturated fatty-acid chains, so that the hydrogen atoms are connected to the points of saturation and results in a more saturated fatty acid. Liquid oils that once contained more unsaturated fatty acids become semisolid or solid upon complete hydrogenation and behave like saturated fats.

Oils initially contain polyunsaturated fatty acids. When the process of hydrogenation is not complete, for example, not all carbon double bonds have been saturated the end result is a partially hydrogenated oil. The resulting oil is not fully solid. Total hydrogenation makes the oil very hard and virtually unusable.

Some newer products are now using fully hydrogenated oil combined with nonhydrogenated vegetable oils to create a usable fat. Manufacturers favor hydrogenation as a way to prevent oxidation of oils and ensure longer shelf life. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils are used in the fast food and processed food industries because they impart the desired texture and crispness to baked and fried foods. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils are more resistant to breakdown from extremely hot cooking temperatures.



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