Hydrogenated Oil

Partially hydrogenated oil results from a manufacturing effort to make unsaturated fat solid at room temperature in order to prolong a food item’s shelf life.  The product is a heart-damaging fat that increases LDL cholesterol (i.e., the “bad” cholesterol) even more than saturated fat.  Legislation requires food manufacturers to include the amount of trans fat on the nutrition label if it contains more than 0.5 g per serving, so if it is found in smaller amounts it does not need to be listed.  Really????  Therefore, individuals should check the food ingredient list as well, where trans fat will be listed as partially hydrogenated oil.  You should avoid foods that list this or any other unhealthy ingredient.