Understanding Fats - Trans Fat vs. Saturated Fat

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If we ever make a comparison between trans fat vs saturated fat then the trans fats, which are also called as hydrogenated fats are considered to be worse. These Trans fats are normally created during the hydrogenation process, when the vegetable oil in the liquid form is converted into fats, which are solid. Trans-fats are responsible for raising LDL (bad) cholesterol level and at the same time they also lower the HDL (good) cholesterol level. 

Let us try to understand what these trans fats are? This can be termed as fully and partially hydrogenated oils. You can find Trans fats lurking on all kind of processed foods like French fries and cookies etc. Since, all the packaged foods are now having the label from Jan 2006, you can compare the trans fat vs saturated fat in each packaged foods. Prior to that Trans fat used to remain hidden in the fat content and after plenty of media attention was given on the ill effects of Trans fats, all the manufacturers have started reducing these fats from their manufactured food products. Whether that has really helped in changing our food habits or not is yet to be discovered. 

According to the survey conducted by NPD group, 94% people are aware about trans fats and nearly 73% of them are really concerned about this fat. However, majority of the consumers are aware that French fries & other fried foods contain Trans fat, but very few people know that few other processed foods like doughnuts, cakes and snacks also contain this fat. About 65 % people feel that most of the restaurant food contains more amount of such fats as compared to home prepared foods. However, in spite of so much awareness people often eat foods like fried chicken and many others, which contain Trans fats. 

When we discuss about trans fat vs saturated fat, we are either confused about it or we disregard what we know about it. People usually find it very difficult to resist the temptation to avoid fast fry foods or ever refuse to purchase their favorite cookies. Good news is that many of the restaurants have started changing their cooking oils voluntarily to reduce Trans fat in their food items. 

The basic fact is that our body also needs dietary fats. Fat gives us necessary energy and also helps the functioning of our cells and other nervous system. Fat is also useful for absorbing few vitamins.  It can also help us to maintain our skin and hair. However, we must limit the fat content in our diet up to 30 to 35 percent of our daily calories. If it is less than 20% then it becomes unhealthy, but the fat must be unsaturated. 

When we consider about trans fat vs saturated fat then we must prefer liquid oil instead of solid fats while cooking. It is better to choose dairy products, which are low fat and lean meats. Fish and particularly salmon fish is better diet and must be taken 2 times in a week. We must keep away from the processed food as much as possible.                                                                  
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