Fractionated Vs. Partially Hydrogenated Oils

Fractionated oil may look suspicious to label-reading consumers, but so far it has proven no worse than other saturated fats. Partially hydrogenated oil can do serious damage to heart health. Know the difference.

Health Effects of Partially Hydrogenated Oils

• Partially hydrogenated oils, also known as trans fats, raise LDL cholesterol levels, according to the Mayo Clinic and also trigger inflammatory processes, contributing to poor cardiovascular health overall.

Health Effects of Fractionated Oils

• Fractionated oils usually come from saturated fats such as palm kernel oil. According to the Community Nutrition Education Program at Oklahoma State, they lack specific ill health effects other than the general consequences of eating saturated fats, which consumers should limit to small quantities.

Hydrogenation Process

• Partially hydrogenated oil has had its molecular structure changed artificially, under high temperature and high pressure. While the resulting structure makes food more shelf-stable, that same quality causes the fat to solidify at blood temperature, creating arterial plaques.

Fractionation Process

• The University of Louisville says normal oils such as coconut oil can undergo a fractionation process, separating medium chain triglycerides from longer fat molecules. Fractionated oil, made from medium chain molecules, becomes more stable and digestible.

Considerations

• Any diet should contain a maximum of 7 percent saturated fat and no more than 1 percent trans fat. Saturated fat includes fractionated oils; trans fat includes partially hydrogenated oils.