Saturated fats, Trans Fats, Hydrogenated Fats

Saturated fats are derived from animal products such as meat, dairy and eggs. But they are also found in some plant-based sources such as coconut, palm and palm kernel oils. These fats are solid at room temperature. Saturated fats directly raise total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Many products on the shelf have saturated fats: READ THE LABELS!, and consider!

Trans fats are actually unsaturated fats, but they can raise total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while also lowering HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Trans fats are used to extend the shelf life of processed foods, typically cookies, cakes, fries and donuts.

Any item that contains “hydrogenated oil” or “partially hydrogenated oil” likely contains trans fats.

Hydrogenation is the chemical process that changes liquid oils into solid fats.