Trans Fats are Another Cause of High Blood Pressure
Kevin Riley
When the demand for butter exceeded the ability of farmers to
supply this desirable fat ... the search for a substitute started
us on a road to trans fats, heart disease, and high blood
pressure. Not until 20 years ago did we finally discover the
dangers of trans fats.
~ How Did Trans Fats Enter our Food Supply? ~
In the 1860s butter was in great demand and there just wasn't
enough to satisfy everybody. Emperor Louis Napoleon III offered a
prize for a substitute ... and so, the first margarine was
invented by a French chemist. It was created from clarified beef
fat.
It wasn't until 40 years later that the process of hydrogenation
was developed ... and the door to deadly trans fats was opened.
Butter rationing during two worlds wars and the lower cost of
margarine ... had more and more people switching to this butter
substitute -- made from cheap vegetable fats.
When vegetable oils are 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 that our taste buds love. We are
naturally drawn to the taste and the consistency.
The semi-solid trans fats are great for baking ... and not
expensive like butter or lard. This 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 a dangerous bust
for consumers. In the US alone, an estimated 100,000 people die
prematurely every year ... due to the use of trans fats.
~ So What's so Bad About Trans Fats? ~
Trans fats have the worst effect on your cholesterol levels of
all fats. They drive up your levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol ...
at the same time lowering your levels of heart-protective HDL
cholesterol. Trans fats' overall effect on your cholesterol
levels is ... twice as bad as the effect of saturated fats.
Recently, trans fats have also come under fire for damaging the
lining of your arteries. It's this damage that leads to hardening
of the arteries and higher blood pressure. The linings of your
arteries play a very important role in controlling blood
pressure. When these vital linings become damaged, their function
is impaired -- resulting in high blood pressure.
~ How Can You Avoid Trans Fats? ~
Although trans fats were first used in margarine ... most
margarines have eliminated this deadly fat. But, they're still
found in many baked goods and fried foods. In fact, because of
their low cost and convenience -- trans fats keep foods from
spoiling -- hydrogenated oils are being used even more.
Keep clear of donuts, French fries, pastries, fast foods ... even
the seemingly healthy granola bar often contains this dangerous
fat. Check labels carefully ... avoid any food that contains
hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
~ Finally, a Little Help from the FDA ~
Fortunately, it is starting to get easier to find these dangerous
trans fats -- and avoid them. As of January 2006, the FDA is
requiring food makers to list the trans fat content ... on the
Nutrition Facts label found on all products.
Even a small amount of trans fats in your diet is bad for your
heart health. Switch over 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.
Kevin Riley is a long-time natural health advocate and researcher
... and the author of the exciting new program "Get Natural! Drop
Your Blood Pressure". Discover more at
http://www.naturalbloodpressure.com
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