Ever since food processing manufacturers realized they could extend the use of many vegetable oils by injecting hydrogen into them, the birth of hydrogenation was born. Of course, the reason for its present day use is of course, the bottom line, more profit.
We are told by many research experts in the field of biochemistry and nutritional research that the answer to this question is no. We do Know that hydrogenated vegetable oils are almost ideal for the lubrication of metal parts, but not for use in our bodies. The long term effects of this processed oil is not good, according to expert nutritionists, many who claim that it can cause a host of diseases, ranging from interference of normal body processes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diseases of the eye, cancer, etc.. We are also told that hydrogenated oil can interfere with the proper absorption of Polyunsaturated fatty Acids, the absolutely required Omega-3 oils, which the body cannot manufacture and therefore must ingest them from food. So, how do we avoid these specially processed oil additives to our food ? First, we should learn to read the ingredients, usually found on the back of each package and when we see them listed, we should just try to look for a similar product that does not contain hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.
Will We Ever See The Day Of No Hydrogenated Oils ?
The answer to this question is probably going to take a while, but if the consumer rejects foods that are found to contain this modified oil in the ingredients list, the manufacturer of that product will soon see the drop in sales and make the necessary changes. It is fairly certain that there will also be a change in the future retail price of the item, but it will certainly be worth the slight cost adjustment for the consumer's peace of mind. Many believe this transition will eventually take place, but only gradually at best. We here in the U.S. are at a similar point as we were with the slow transition of providing organic produce to the consumer after much wrangling and dissatisfaction with the way most farmers were using artificial fertilizers in the soils producing our vegetables and fruits. Some farmers switched to organic farming, which cost more to produce, passing on the cost to the consumer. Today, Organic farming is really beginning to take off. It will take the same consumer complaints to the hydrogenated oil manufacturers to have a noticeable effect.
Should The WHO Influence A Ban On Hydrogenated Oils ?
For many years, we are told, the World Health Organization has tried to have hydrogenated oils removed from foods throughout the world, at least to some extent and has been able to slow its use in other parts of the world, but in the U.S., with manufacturers having the say with the FDA, the process of continuing use of hydrogenated oils remains very much unabated. Many believe it will take the boycotting of those companies who are still adding these toxic oils to our foods to turn it around. We must remember one thing...the consumer decides the make or break of any company.
A well written article, its so hard with all these companies shouting out rebuttals and trying to lay blame elsewhere to figure out what is true, especially for our younger generation.
#2 by beauley, Lucien, Jun 13, 2007
A Big Thank you for all your comments. I will soon visit your works. I hope my comments will be as complimentory as yours. You have a wide range of fine contributions.
