Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

This type oil is becoming a popular as it can be heated repeatedly which makes it a good choice in the process of deep frying and cooking. An interesting aspect about this oil is that it can be transformed into a solid state.

This is how margarine is created. However, before you opt for margarine over butter, or any type of hydrogenated oil, there are certain facts that you need to know.

Hydrogenation refers to the process of adding hydrogen gas into vegetable oil at a high pressure and temperature (250-400 ºC). This process transforms the essential fatty acids into trans fatty acids. These are unnatural fats that are not helpful to the body.

This process results in increasing the melting point of oil and its shelf life, but there is no nutrition remaining in the oil. Further, trans fats are not accepted by the body easily, and consuming them in excess results in a lot of health problems.

This is because several enzymes in the body are unable to bind to trans fatty acids, thus making a person susceptible to heart problems, cholesterol, and several other health conditions.

There are two varieties: partially hydrogenated and fully hydrogenated vegetable oil. There is a marked difference between the two. Partial hydrogenation allows oil to remain in its liquid form and be used for cooking. However, because the process is partial, the trans fatty acids formed, remain in the oil while it is used.

Fully hydrogenated vegetable oil on the other hand, eliminates all the trans fatty acids that are created in the process of hydrogenation. However, in this process, the resulting product is solid even at room temperature. The amount of saturated fat is higher in this variety. It can be absorbed and processed by the body.

Margarine, the healthier alternative to butter, is created using the process of full hydrogenation. However, some varieties have partially hydrogenated vegetable oils too, which is why you should be careful while consuming margarine, as well.

Further, if a product states that it is free of trans fatty acids or trans fats, does not necessarily mean that it is low in calories, or fat free. Several other ingredients in the food may contribute to high calorie intake and result in weight gain.

Also, check if the product you are purchasing has stated the type of hydrogenated oil used. It is not necessary that the product may be free of trans fats if the varieties are not mentioned.

It is important to do a little research about new products in the market that claim to be healthy. According to the US FDA, It is now mandatory to mention the exact level of trans fats in a food item. A lot of foods are also completely free of trans fats.

However, while the importance of hydrogenated vegetable oil cannot be completely undermined, it is obvious that there is more harm than good in consuming it too often.

In order to stay healthy, choosing to consume healthier varieties such as olive oil, is a good idea. It is packed with nutrition, although it cannot be used for deep frying or baking. In any case, deep-fried foods should be consumed in moderation.