Trans Fats are Another Cause of High Blood Pressure

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When the demand for butter exceeded the ability of farmers to supply this desirable fat ... look for a substitute started us on the road of trans fat, heart disease and high blood pressure. It was not until 20 years ago we finally discover the dangers of trans fats.
trans fat, blood pressure, cholesterol, hydrogenated, arteries, arterial lining

How do we get in Trans Fat Food Supply?

In the 1860s butter in great demand and there just was not enough to satisfy everyone. Emperor Louis Napoleon III offered a reward for a substitute ... and so, the first margarine was invented by a French chemist. It is made from beef fat explains.

It was not until 40 years later that the process of hydrogenation was developed ... and the door to deadly trans fats was opened. Butter rationing during the second world war and a lower cost of margarine ... had more and more people switching to this butter substitute - made from cheap vegetable fats.

When vegetable oils hydrogenated ... their molecules are chemically re-arranged. This produces a fat - trans fat - that becomes semi-hard at room temperature. Basically, trans fats mimic the saturated fats which recognized our taste buds love. We are naturally drawn to the taste and consistency.

The semi-solid trans fats great for baking ... and not expensive like butter or lard. It is a big plus for food processors ... and the reason trans fats are found in most baked goods - as well as fried foods. While this cheap alternative to butter is a boon for the food makers ... it is dangerous for consumers sculpture. In the US alone, approximately 100,000 people die every year ... due to the use of trans fats prematurely.

So what's so bad about Trans Fat?

Trans fats have the worst effect on your cholesterol levels of all fats. They push your level of "bad" LDL cholesterol ... at the same time lowering levels of protective HDL cholesterol heart. The overall effect of trans fat on your cholesterol levels is ... twice as bad as the effects of saturated fat.

More recently, trans fats also come under fire for damaging the lining of your arteries. It is this damage that causes hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure. Lining of your arteries play a very important role in controlling blood pressure. When this layer is important to be damaged, its function disorders - resulting in high blood pressure.

How you can avoid Trans Fat?

Although the first trans fats used in margarine ... most margarines have eliminated this deadly fat. However, they are still found in many baked and fried foods. In fact, because of its low cost and convenience - trans fats keep foods from spoiling - hydrogenated oils are used even more.

Stay clear of donuts, French fries, pastries, fast foods ... even the seemingly healthy granola bar often contains this dangerous fat. Check labels carefully ... avoid foods that contain hydrogenated vegetable oil or partially hydrogenated.

Finally, a little help from the FDA

Fortunately, it's starting to get easier to find these dangerous trans fats - and avoid them. In January 2006, the FDA is requiring food makers to list trans fat content ... on the nutrition facts label found on all products.

Even a small amount of trans fat in your diet is bad for your heart health. Switch to healthier fats today. Not all fats are bad for you. In fact, some fats will even help you lower your blood pressure. Olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish will give your body a good dose of healthy fats.