The Dangers of Trans Fatty Acids

You've likely been hearing a lot lately about the health dangers of trans fatty acids, which are found in fried and processed foods.

But what makes trans fats such a threat to your well-being?

"The problem with trans fatty acids is that your body doesn't know what to do with them," Dr. Brian Olshansky, a professor of internal medicine at the University of Iowa, says in a news statement.

"Trans fatty acids may help preserve food so that it tastes good, but your body can't break them down and use them correctly. Normal fats are very supple and pliable, but the trans fatty acid is a stiff fat that can build up in the body and create havoc," Olshansky says.

Trans fatty acids are linked to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and sudden cardiac death.

Despite the danger, it can be difficult to avoid trans fatty acids when you're eating the typical American diet. Many processed foods and fast foods contain trans fatty acids.

"I'm recommending to my patients not to eat products with trans fatty acids and to keep away from processed foods and fast food until they improve," Olshansky says.

He says people should eat fresh foods, which studies show can lower your cholesterol as much as taking statin medications.

More information

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