GYM VLOG #22

In nutrition and overall health, trans fats’ effects on health and disease are a topic of great importance. Trans fats, also known as trans-unsaturated fatty acids, are formed artificially through a process known as hydrogenation and are frequently included in foods that are manufactured in factories. Although they extend the stability and shelf life of many processed foods, there is growing evidence that they may have negative health effects. Studies have shown that consuming trans fat raises the risk of cardiovascular illnesses by decreasing HDL cholesterol. Trans fats have also been linked to a number of chronic illnesses, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

Trans fats, sometimes referred to as trans-unsaturated fatty acids, are produced synthetically using a procedure called hydrogenation. In this industrial process, liquid vegetable oils are converted to solid fats by adding hydrogen. As a result, the fat has a longer shelf life and is more stable, which makes it perfect for usage in a variety of packaged and processed goods.  When the oil is industrially processed, it is then used in foods that we eat and these foods harm our bodies significantly. Products like store bought baked goods (like pastries and cookies), fried foods (like fried chicken and French fries), snack foods, and some margarines are frequently discovered to contain trans fats. In the past, they were utilized to enhance the dishes’ texture and prolong their freshness. 

Trans fats have been identified as a factor in the complicated problem of obesity. Although there is a complicated relationship between trans fats and obesity, these manufactured fats are frequently present in meals that are highly processed and high in calories. Eating foods high in trans fats like these can make you gain weight and put you at risk for consequences from obesity. Trans fats have the potential to cause the growth of body fat in addition to providing more calories and even interfering and altering metabolic processes. Furthermore, data point to the possibility that trans fats may impact insulin sensitivity, which may accelerate the start of obesity and associated metabolic diseases. Even our livers aren’t safe when it comes to trans fats. In a PubMed article titled Mechanisms of Action of Trans Fatty Acids the authors Antwi-Boasiako Oteng  and Sander Kersten write, “industrial trans fatty acids promote fat storage in the liver at the expense of adipose tissue”. This is concerning because the liver produces bile for the digestion of fats and a fatty liver means it won’t function properly.

Trans fats have effects on more than just physical health; new research indicates that there may be a link between eating trans fats and mental health. Increased consumption of trans fats has been linked to systemic inflammation, which could impact neurological functions in the brain. Furthermore, trans fats may influence mood and cognitive function by pathways linked to inflammation and insulin resistance. There is a growing recognition of the necessity to take dietary factors, especially trans fats, into account when promoting mental health, even though we don’t necessarily know all the ins and outs.

In the areas of nutrition and health, there is growing interest in the impact of trans fats on the gut flora. The variety and composition of the gut microbiota may be impacted by trans fat consumption, however research on this subject is still in its early stages. The intricate collection of bacteria in the digestive tract known as the gut microbiome is essential to preserving general health. Trans fats have the ability to damage the gut flora leading to things like leaky gut where undigested foods are able to escape the gut through holes between tight junctions and travel through the body causing many issues. Consuming large amounts of trans fats, which are frequently present in processed and fried meals, has been linked to inflammation and metabolic abnormalities, which may also affect the gut microbiota. Variations in the composition of the gut microbiome may have an impact on the immune system and metabolism, among other aspects of health. 

In conclusion, the complex effects of trans fats on health highlight how important it is to address their role in disease prevention. These synthetic fats, which are mostly in processed and fried meals, have been linked to obesity, mental health issues, heart disease, and possible changes to the gut microbiome. As more and more studies reveal the harmful consequences of trans fats, there is a growing movement to lessen their use in food and encourage the consumption of healthier alternatives. Understanding the complex relationships between nutrition and health, especially when it comes to trans fats, is essential to promoting a culture of wellbeing and preventing many chronic illnesses.