Definition: The process used to give vegetable oils a semi-solid or solid texture.
Hydrogen is forced into vegetable oil to change the shape of the molecules. The process creates trans fats, which are similar in shape to saturated fat. Trans fats raise LDL cholesterol -- a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Trans fats are found in foods such as shortening, hard stick margarine, cookies, crackers, and snack foods made with partially hydrogenated oil.
