Hydrogenated
& partially hydrogenated oil
Also known as trans fatty acids, these oils are used in the processed food industry
to prolong shelf life and are common ingredients in biscuits, crackers, cakes,
fast food and ready meals. Trans fatty acids are commercially produced by heating
vegetable oils with metal catalysts and hydrogen to form margarine or shortening
which then keep a solid shape at room temperature and help prolong the life
of a food. They are known to increase cholesterol and are directly related to
the development of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. They are banned in some
European countries.