Hydrogenated fats are also known as trans fats, partially hydrogenated fats, shortening, and margarine. Your goal, if you chose to become as healthy as possible, is to avoid them 100%. 99% won't cut it. The one food item that everybody should avoid is trans fats. They are not beneficial in any form and they are not necessary for any reason biochemically. Avoidance of these fats is the one thing that anybody can do and it has the most widespread benefits.

The following information is taken from my colleague's , Dr. Walter Schmitt, pamphlet, "Get These Out of Your Family's Kitchen!".

Hydrogenated fats are, by definition, a poison, as even in a small amount they will induce a chemical reaction that may cause damage to structure or disturbance of function, producing symptomatology, illness, or death. These fats do not exist in nature. They are processed from naturally occurring fats and oils by converting the natural "cis" form of the fat into a "trans" form. This is done by bubbling hydrogen gas into the oil at very high temperatures.

Trans fats alter the configuration of cell membranes and they block important enzymes that are necessary for the metabolism of fats. Your body can metabolize half of a "cis" fat in 18 days. Yet it takes your body 51 days to metabolize just half of a hydrogenated fat. Do the math…after 102 days, there is still 25% left!

Trans fats block the production of Type 1 and 3 prostaglandins (PG), which are derived from the omega 6 and omega 3 fats respectfully. They do not, however, block the Type 2 prostaglandins which are derived from dairy, red meat, and shellfish. These fats increase inflammation. So you can see now how a diet high in saturated (PG2) and hydrogenated fats not only increases inflammation themselves, but they block the anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, further promoting inflammation. That's a lot of inflammation!

Daily, nagging symptoms are many times provoked, if not caused by trans fats. This includes but is definitely not limited to headaches, PMS, hot flashes, skin problems, asthma, arthritis, and joint pain - as well as chronic diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, and strokes.

NSAIDs - the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, work by blocking all PG production. Avoidance of trans fats and consumption of natural omega 3 & 6 fats usually turn around the everyday nagging symptoms in less than a month. If you ever achieve symptom relief from taking any NSAID, whether it be an aspirin, ibuprofen, or a big player in today's market such as Vioxx or Celebrex, it is almost certain that you have a fatty acid imbalance. That is how these drugs work. You don't have a deficiency of them; I'm sure of that.

Read the ingredients. Since trans fats do not exist in nature you don't have to worry about getting them in whole foods such as meats, vegetables, fruits, etc. It's the breads, cookies, pastries, crackers, and packaged foods you've got to look out for. You'll find it even in foods labeled "fat free". It doesn't matter if it's the first ingredient listed or the last and it has no relationship to the grams of fat listed on the box. Always use pure butter, never margarine. That will end the "heart-healthy" cholesterol debate. Trans fats are one of the worst, if not the worst, things for your heart and cholesterol level. You usually won't find hydrogenated fats in sugary, chocolate things - it's the breaded/creamy stuff that more commonly has it. But that is a generalization, so read all the ingredients. The only place you'll most likely get hydrogenated fat and it won't be in the ingredients is when something is deep-fried. Deep-frying will change the cis form to the trans form. So onion rings, french fries, funnel cakes, etc…are going to be hydrogenated even if they were dipped in canola oil. Pan and stir-frying are okay, just use a heat stable oil such as extra-virgin olive oil (rather than peanut oil which is easily denatured).

Enjoy cleaning out your kitchen. Remember, you'll say, "This stuff is in everything." That is what everybody initially says. But it's just that it's in everything you eat. There are many alternatives today. For the occasional junk food - go to a health food store. Once you change your diet, it won't be in anything.