Ingredient
Hydrogenated vegetable oil
What is Hydrogenated vegetable oil?
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil is made by converting liquid vegetable oils into solid fats through a process called hydrogenation. This involves adding hydrogen to the oils, which changes their chemical structure and extends their shelf life.
This ingredient is widely used to improve texture in food products and to maintain stability in cosmetics and supplements. Some studies suggest concerns about trans fats, which can form during hydrogenation, potentially contributing to heart health issues. However, fully hydrogenated oils contain little to no trans fats.
When you see hydrogenated vegetable oil on a label, it's often an indication of an effort to enhance product stability and shelf life. However, it can mean the product contains trans fats, so it's advisable to check the trans fat content on the nutritional label.
Commonly found in: makeup, supplements, baked goods, processed foods, cosmetics, snack foods
What to watch
- Trans fats formed during partial hydrogenation are associated with increased risk of heart disease.
Benefits
- Improves product shelf life and stability, particularly in baked goods and cosmetics.
The FDA does not recognize partially hydrogenated oils as safe due to trans fats, but fully hydrogenated oils are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
While trans fats in these oils are linked to health risks, fully hydrogenated oils without trans fats have less consistent evidence of harm.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil is plant-derived and typically considered vegan.
Sources: Trans Fat Ban · Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association
Scout's take
Hydrogenated vegetable oils contain trans fats, which are harmful to heart health. They are used to improve texture and shelf life but increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The hydrogenation process alters the natural structure of the oils, making them unhealthy.
The case against
Increases risk of heart disease and inflammation due to trans fat content.
from the analysis of Skippy Peanut ButterMore from Scout's analyses
Hydrogenated oils contain trans fats, which are linked to negative health effects and are considered harmful.
from the analysis of Great Value WAFER BARSFound in 2 products
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