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Trans Fats Research Paper

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NT2013 Library Assignment 2015
Stephanie Morgan 114411932
Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship 2

Trans Fatty Acids: What are they, where do they come from, and why do we need to avoid them?

Trans fatty acids are part of the macromolecule group lipids. Lipids consist of glycerol and fatty acids. Lipids are long hydrocarbon chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms which are bonded together. Hydrocarbon chains that consist of solely single bonds throughout are called saturated fats. A hydrocarbon chain that has at least one double bond is an unsaturated fat. Fats are essential in the diet as they store large amounts of energy and they help in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K.

In unsaturated fats the position of the atoms around double bonds …show more content…
Trans fats can be formed when manufacturers turn liquid oil into solid fat. This is due to a process called chemical hydrogenation. Chemical hydrogenation is a process that uses a catalyst to reduce the number of double bonds present in a hydrocarbon chain. This is done by adding hydrogen atoms to the hydrocarbon chain. The hydrogen atoms that are introduced break the double bonds in the chain. This process is controlled to ensure that the optimal physical and chemical properties that are needed are produced correctly. Factors that are controlled include pressure, time and temperature. Partial hydrogenation can also occur. This occurs when the saturation is incomplete and some double bonds remain or may shift to another position on the chain. When oils are partially hydrogenated it creates trans fats which have a bad effect on the body. Food manufacturers carry out the process of hydrogenation because it increases the shelf life of foods and the flavour stability and also the texture of the foods. Also partially hydrogenated fats are really cheap compared to fats like margarine or butter. Foods that contain trans fats last longer as trans fats take a long time to break down compared to other …show more content…
This excessive intake is very harmful for the worlds health. On the 16th June 2015 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) took action that will reduce the amount of partially hydrogenated oils in foods. This is expected to reduce coronary heart disease and many fatal heart attacks that take place each year. The compliance date for this action is three years which will allow companies to reformulate products with partially hydrogenated oils and reduce the levels of trans fats in foods. Although trans fats will not be completely removed from the diet, as they are present in small amounts in foods such as dairy products, it is a major leap in the right direction. It will allow the whole population to live healthier and happier lives with a limited amount of trans fats

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