What are trans fatty acids?

Trans fatty acids are unhealthy fats.

Trans fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids that are produced during certain food processing processes. Common foods that contain trans fatty acids include fried foods, processed meats, pastries, cookies, etc.

Excessive intake of trans fatty acids is associated with a number of health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, inflammation, etc. It increases LDL cholesterol levels and decreases HDL cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

To reduce trans fatty acid intake, check the ingredient list carefully when purchasing foods on a daily basis and choose products that contain no or low amounts of trans fatty acids. Reduce the consumption of fried foods, or choose healthier cooking methods.