Trans fat is a type of unsaturated fat that is created through an industrial process called hydrogenation. This process adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils, making them more solid and stable. Trans fats are often found in processed foods, such as baked goods, margarine, and fried foods, because they improve texture and shelf life.
Consuming trans fats can increase the risk of heart disease by raising LDL cholesterol levels while lowering HDL cholesterol levels in the body. Due to health concerns, many countries have implemented regulations to limit or ban the use of trans fats in food products.