Packaged foods have much more trans fat than you think

Trans fat is unsaturated fat made by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil through a process called hydrogenation, which makes the oil less likely to spoil. Using trans fats in the manufacturing of foods helps foods stay fresh longer, have a longer shelf life and have a less greasy feel.

The addition of hydrogen to oil increases your cholesterol more than do other types of fats. Its thought that adding hydrogen to oil makes the oil more difficult to digest, and your body recognizes trans fats as saturated fats. While a small amount of unsaturated fat is good for you, no amount of trans fat is healthy. Trans fat raises the levels of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol in your blood. LDL is the "bad" cholesterol that clogs your arteries. If you eat a lot of trans fats, they can also lower the levels of high-density lipoproteins, or HDL, cholesterol in your blood. HDL is the "good" cholesterol that helps prevent LDL from sticking to the walls of your arteries. So, in addition to being a high-calorie ingredient, trans fat also poses a heart disease risk.

Trans fats are so bad that they are to be avoided. There is no recommended maximum. Just don’t eat it, or as little of it as possible.

Foods that contain Trans fat:-

Packaged foods. Cake mixes, Bisquick, and other mixes all have several grams of trans fat per serving.

Soups. Ramen noodles and soup cups contain very high levels of trans fat.

Fast Food. Bad news here: Fries, chicken, and other foods are deep-fried in partially hydrogenated oil. Even if the chains use liquid oil, fries are sometimes partially fried in trans fat before theyre shipped to the restaurant. Pancakes and grilled sandwiches also have some trans fat, from margarine slathered on the grill.

 Frozen Food. Those yummy frozen pies, pot pies, waffles, pizzas, even breaded fish sticks contain trans fat. Even if the label says its low-fat, it still has trans fat.

Baked Goods. Even worse news -- more trans fats are used in commercially baked products than any other foods.

Chips and Crackers. Shortening provides crispy texture. Even "reduced fat" brands can still have trans fat. Anything fried (like potato chips and corn chips) or buttery crackers have trans fat.

Breakfast food. Breakfast cereal and energy bars are quick-fix, highly processed products that contain trans fats,

Cookies and Candy. Look at the labels; some have higher fat content than others. A chocolate bar with nuts -- or a cookie -- is likely to have more trans fat than gummy bears.

Toppings and Dips. Nondairy creamers and flavored coffees, whipped toppings, bean dips, gravy mixes, and salad dressings contain lots of trans fat.