They can be found in fries, pastries, margarine, salty snacks, chips, candy bars, and pizza. In general terms, trans fats can be found almost everywhere, though they are most often ingredients in processed and ready-made products. But why are they so bad?
Why Do Manufacturers Use Trans Fats? Denmark Banned Them 21 Years Ago
Trans fats are produced through the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. They belong to the group of unsaturated fatty acids and are exposed to very high temperatures. In their natural form, they are found in products like lamb, mutton, beef, and milk. However, they are often used in the food industry to achieve the desired consistency of a product and improve its taste.
Food manufacturers in Poland are not required to list trans fats on labels, so it's essential to read the ingredients carefully. In 2018, the European Union established a regulation limiting trans fat content to no more than 2g per 100g of product. However, Denmark was ahead of the EU, banning the use of trans fats entirely in 2003.
Why Are Trans Fats Dangerous? The Expert Has No Doubts
Trans fats have a very harmful effect on the human body. They contribute to raising bad cholesterol levels, increase the risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and obesity, and disrupt sugar metabolism, which raises the risk of developing diabetes.
From the perspective of human health, there is nothing good to say about trans isomers. There are strong reasons to recommend their complete elimination from food products and diets
- said Dr. Hanna Mojska, associate professor and expert for the "Understand Fats" campaign.
