What Is Transfat ?

Trans fat is a type of fat that’s not so friendly to our bodies. It’s made through a process called hydrogenation, which turns liquid oils into solid fats to improve shelf life and texture of certain foods. While it might be useful for food manufacturers, it’s not great for us.

Trans fat can raise our “bad” cholesterol levels (LDL) and lower our “good” cholesterol levels (HDL). This can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. That’s why health experts recommend limiting our intake of trans fat as much as possible.

Why Companies Use Transfat ?

• 1. Improved Shelf Life: Trans fat helped increase the longevity of food products, making them last longer.
• 2. Enhanced Texture: Trans fat gave certain foods a desirable texture, like crispy and flaky textures in baked goods, which appealed to consumers.
• 3. Cost-Effective: Trans fat was a cost-effective option for food manufacturers since it could be used in place of more expensive ingredients.
• 4. Stability for Frying: Trans fat had a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying and deep-frying processes in restaurants and fast-food chains.
• 5. Extended Flavor Retention: It helped some foods retain their flavors over longer periods, which was advantageous for products with longer storage times.
• 6. Replacement for Saturated Fats: In the past, it was considered a healthier alternative to saturated fats like butter and lard, which were known to raise “bad” cholesterol levels.

Popular Indian Food High In Trans Fat

• • Indian sweets like jalebi and gulab jamun, often deep-fried, can be high in trans fats.
• • Some commercially available samosas and pakoras are deep-fried and may contain trans fats.
• • Certain fried street foods, like vada pav and bhajis, can contribute to trans fat intake.
• • Bakery items like biscuits and pastries, particularly those made with partially hydrogenated oils, may contain trans fats.
• • Some commercially prepared curry pastes and instant mixes may use trans fat-containing ingredients, so checking labels is essential.