Question

What is hydrogenation?

what are the advantages and disadvantages of hydrogenation ? Pg 75,76, 84  also refer to powerpoint

What are cis and trans fatty acids

What foods contain transfatty acids (TFA) ?

Answer 1

Hydrogenation:

Hydrogenation means addition of hydrogen. In this process saturated fats which are produced from the unsaturated fats by the process of hydrogenation (that is the addition of hydrogen atoms chemically to convert the double bonds in the unsaturated fats into single bonds) are called hydrogenated fats. These are unnatural and cause harm to the health. Fats are hydrogenated completely or partially (trans fats). Examples of hydrogenated fats are hydrogenated palm oil, corn oil, soyabean oil etc.

The fats are hydrogenated to change its consistency and to make it less prone to the rancidity.

Advantages:

1. Hydrogenation leads to stability by decreasing the rate of oxidation.

2. Liquid form can be changed to semi solid or solid form.

3. Feel and plasticity of the substances can be controlled.

4. Studies have shown natural trans fats in beef and dairy products to have the opposite effect and actually be beneficial. Ex: lowering total and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Disadvantages:

1. Can increase heart disease risk.

2. Partial hydrogenation of fats gives rise to trans fats which are difficult to metabolize by the body.

3. Levels of low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) are increased when trans fats are consumed.

4. Worldwide Health authorities recommend trace amount of trans fat consumption.

Cis and Trans Fats:

Saturated fatty acids contain no double bonds like palmitic acid have no double bond. Unsaturated fatty acids may contain one or more double bond like oleic acid is a fatty acid with two double bonds. Unsaturated fatty acids have two type configurations which is cis and trans.

Cis configuration: Two hydrogen atom in carbon chain on the same side of the double bond.

Trans configuration: Two hydrogen atom in carbon chain are on the opposite sides of the double bond

Cis fatty acid is better, because the trans fatty acid fits better into the crystal and hence melting point of trans fatty acid is better than cis fatty acid and because trans fatty acid has higher melting point, it stays in the body longer and hence is harmful.

Foods contain trans fatty acids:

Cakes, pies and cookies

Margarine (sticks or tub)

Biscuits

Microwave popcorn

Cream-filled candies

Breakfast sandwiches

Crackers

Doughnuts

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