A type of unsaturated fat that can be either naturally occurring or industrially produced. Industrial trans fats are created through a process called partial hydrogenation, which turns liquid vegetable oils into solid fats to increase shelf life and stability. These fats are commonly found in processed snacks, fried foods, and margarines.
Trans fats are considered the most harmful type of dietary fat. They significantly increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol while lowering high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, leading to a high risk of heart disease. Furthermore, they promote systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, disrupting the delicate balance of the gut microbiota and metabolic health.
The definitive guide by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN