Lose Stomach Fat In Your 50s - Beware Trans Fats
By the time we reach our 50s we have consumed an enormous amount of fat - some good, some bad. There are such things as good fats. In fact, some fat is essential for our bodies to function - most of the brain is made up of cholesterol and fat, of which about 50% is saturated fat. Fat protects the liver from potentially harmful substances and it is essential for proper lung function, a strong immune system and healthy bones. Our forbears gained this fat from animals and animal products but we have been warned about their dangers for many years. In their place, we have eaten vegetable oil and its by- products such as margarine. Now we find there is even greater danger in these low fat foods in the form of trans fats.
What Are Trans Fats?
Trans fats are manufactured products. They are made by a process called hydrogenation. The process involves heating vegetable oil to high temperatures then adding a catalyst such as nickel, palladium, platinum or rhodium. Hydrogen is then bubbled through the liquid, which is then filtered to remove the metal and any rancid odor. The result is hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, which then becomes margarine by adding ingredients such as water, salt, colorings and flavors. Some authorities around the world have limited the amount of trans fats in margarine but most still allow them in other food.
These fats are still very much present in many fast food outlets. Trans fats are present to a high degree in most deep fried foods. They are also used in shop-bought pies, cookies, pastries and cakes. Apart from take-away food, it is found in many packaged foods found on the supermarket shelf. If you look at the list of ingredients you will see it as: vegetable oil; shortening; vegetable fat; hydrogenated vegetable oil; partially hydrogenated vegetable oil; margarine. The problem is, because we have been told vegetable oil is a healthy alternative, we think the product is safe to eat.
No Nutritional Value
Trans fats have no nutritional value. They increase the fat in your bloodstream in the form of triglycerides, which affect the blood vessels and slow down the metabolism of LDL - the bad cholesterol. This increases your bad cholesterol. This clings to the inside of your arteries, making them narrower, which restricts the flow of blood and increases your blood pressure. Health professionals have long warned us about eating fast foods on a regular basis. Because trans fats are such a potential risk to our health, it's probably time to heed the warnings and cut down on them where we can.
About the Author
Losing weight can be quite a challenge if you are trying to do it on your own. You will find tips, guidance and recipes on the right foods to prepare and eat and the right exercise program for you at http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-lose-stomach-fat-in-your-50s . William Burnell has studied and followed a healthy lifestyle for many years and knows how rewarding it can be.
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