Questions On Vitamins, Nutrients, Additives And Specific Foods / Question
Published: June 8, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
What and where do hydrogenated oils come from?
Signed: Hydrogenated Oils
Dear Hydrogenated Oils,
Hydrogenated fats are liquid oils processed by heating oil and passing hydrogen bubbles through it to it to make a more stable, harder product with a longer shelf life. A byproduct of the hydrogenation process is the formation of trans-fatty acids, a low-quality energy source that is difficult to remove from the body, and which has been found to be harmful, contributing to heart disease in some people. Trans-fatty acids increase the LDL (or bad cholesterol).
Reducing your intake of hydrogenated oils can increase your cardiovascular health. The amount of trans-fatty acids in foods is not on nutrition labels, but if you see hydrogenated oils in the ingredients list, trans-fatty acids will be in the product as well. Processed foods, fast foods, chips, cakes and margarine contain the highest levels of hydrogenated oils, so try eating these foods only occasionally.
For more information on healthful eating, talk to your school nurse, health teacher, or physician. Check out "Partially Hydrogenated Oils" for more information on this topic.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
A sexually active teenager who does not use contraceptives has a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within one year. 
