That cheesy pizza is dripping with trans fats. Here is why you need to toss it away RN

We are often asked by our parents to avoid junk food as they can cause a number of health issues. But then, it is hard to control our cravings when we see lip-smacking pizzas, burgers and french fries, right?

Have you ever wondered why we are asked to abstain from these things in the first place? Junk food is harmful for our body as they are full of artificial trans fats, calories and carbohydrates that may lead to a number of diseases including obesity.

A Harvard study found that eating more saturated fats raises the risk of early death.

What are trans-fats?
Populary known as trans-fatty acids, they are a type of unsaturated fats that come in both natural as well as artificial forms. While moderate intake of natural trans fats are not harmful to the body, artificial trans fats or industrial trans fats are extremely hazardous for human health.

Trans fats are known to affect your heart, increase chances of diabetes and arthritis.

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What the sources of artificial trans fats?
The partially hydrogenated vegetable oils that are used in preparing fast food are the largest source of trans fats. These oils last long and are also economical.

Here’s why artificial trans fats are bad for you

1. They put your heart health at stake 
   Artificial trans fats can increase the risk of heart disease. Studies show that people consuming trans fats experience a significant increase in LDL or bad cholesterol.

Moderate intake of natural trans fats increase HDL, while negatively affecting lipoproteins, according to a study by Harvard Medical School.

Also, Read: Is your parent suffering from heart disease? Follow these 8 caregiving tips

2. They also increase your risk of diabetes
Scientists say that a vast majority of cases of type 2 diabetes could be prevented by the adoption of a healthier lifestyle.

This includes a diet high in cereal fiber and polyunsaturated fats and low in trans fats and glycemic load.

Also, Read: Help your parents manage their diabetes better at home with these expert-recommended tips

3. They increase inflammation
There have been several studies that show that trans fats increase inflammatory markers leading to chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. They are especially harmful for people who already have excess body fat.

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4.They affect your blood vessels too
Researchers have found that when trans fats replaced saturated fats, the HDL in arteries dropped by 21 % and artery dilation was impaired as well.

Also, Read: Give junk food a miss and pick plant-based diet for better heart health, says study

As per WHO, eliminating trans fats is key to protecting health and saving lives. WHO estimates that every year its intake leads to more than 500,000 deaths of people from cardiovascular disease.