It’s spring, so that means it’s time for Spring cleaning. Clean out your closet, draws, but most important your fridge and pantry! Why you ask? To rid them of foods containing partially hydrogenated oils!

A partially hydrogenated oil is the the manufactured form of trans fat. According to the Center of Science for the Public  Partially hydrogenated oils increase the amount of “bad” (LDL) cholesterol in blood, and that increases the risk of heart disease. It also decreases the “good” (HDL) cholesterol, which may increase the risk of heart disease even more. Preliminary research suggests that trans fat might have additional harmful effects on the body.

Partially hydrogenated oils are found in a variety of food products, including:

• Cake mixes, biscuit, pancake and cornbread mixes, frostings
• Frozen bakery products, toaster pastries, waffles, pancakes
• Cakes, cookies, muffins, pies, donuts
• Whipped toppings
• Crackers
• Margarines, shortening
• Peanut butter (except fresh-ground)
• Instant mashed potatoes
• Frozen entrees and meals
• Taco shells
• French fries
• Cocoa mix
• Most prepared frozen meats and fish (such as fish sticks)

Always check the back of certain brands that could be partially made Hydrogenated Oils
• Breakfast cereals
• Noodle soup cups
• Corn chips, potato chips
• Bread
• Frozen pizza, frozen burritos
• Pasta mixes
• Most frozen snack foods
• Sauce mixes
• Low-fat ice creams

• Microwave popcorn

Happy Cleaning!