How Natural Oils Can Be Hydrogenated Without Making Unhealthy Trans Fats
Friday, January 23, 2009 - 17:42
in Physics & Chemistry
To prolong the shelf life of foods, manufacturers often add hydrogen to natural oils, a process called hydrogenation. But hydrogenation also results in the production of trans fats, which have adverse health effects such as raising bad cholesterol and increasing the risk for coronary heart disorders. Now chemists have designed a catalyst that allows hydrogenated oils to be made while minimizing the production of trans fats.