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Trans Fats

By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com

Updated May 02, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: Type of fat formed by the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils that has been shown to be bad for your health. Trans fats raise LDL cholesterol, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Trans fats are found in shortening, hard stick margarine, cookies, crackers, and snack foods made with partially hydrogenated oil.

Most of trans fats are man-made. However, a small amount of naturally occurring trans fat is found in animal products.

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