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Hidden Trans Fats: The Truth About Biscuits

Tea-time biscuits are a staple in many households, often enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Whether it’s a simple digestive biscuit, a cream-filled delight, or a crunchy cookie, these treats seem harmless. However, there’s a hidden ingredient in many of them that could be damaging to your health—trans fats.

Trans fats are known to increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, and other health issues. The problem is that many people are unaware of the presence of these harmful fats in their everyday biscuits. This blog explores the dangers of trans fats, how they sneak into your favorite biscuits, and how you can make healthier choices without giving up your tea-time ritual.

What Are Trans Fats?

Trans fats, also known as trans-fatty acids, are a type of unsaturated fat that is harmful to health. They come in two forms:

1. Naturally Occurring Trans Fats – Found in small amounts in dairy and meat products.
2. Artificial Trans Fats (Partially Hydrogenated Oils) – Created when liquid oils are turned into solid fats through hydrogenation. These are commonly found in processed foods like biscuits, cakes, and fried items.

While naturally occurring trans fats in dairy and meat are not as harmful when consumed in moderation, artificial trans fats are a major health concern.

How Do Trans Fats Get into Biscuits?

Biscuits are often made using partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) to extend shelf life and enhance texture. These oils make biscuits crispier, flakier, and more appealing. Unfortunately, they also make them more harmful.

Here’s how trans fats make their way into biscuits:

• Use of Hydrogenated Oils – Many biscuits use margarine or vegetable shortening, both of which are high in trans fats.
• Commercial Baking Process – Mass-produced biscuits often require stable fats that don’t spoil quickly, making trans fats a preferred choice.
• Cost-Effective Manufacturing – Trans fats are cheaper than healthier oils, making them an economical choice for manufacturers.

Despite global efforts to reduce trans fat consumption, many popular biscuit brands still contain them in varying amounts.

Why Are Trans Fats Harmful?

Trans fats are considered one of the worst types of fats for human health. Consuming them regularly can lead to serious health issues, including:

1. Increased Bad Cholesterol (LDL) & Decreased Good Cholesterol (HDL)

• Trans fats raise LDL cholesterol, which leads to plaque buildup in arteries.
• They also lower HDL cholesterol, making it harder for the body to remove excess cholesterol.
• This imbalance significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

2. Higher Risk of Heart Disease

• Studies show that consuming trans fats increases the risk of coronary heart disease by 23%.
• They contribute to inflammation, arterial blockages, and high blood pressure.

3. Weight Gain & Obesity

• Trans fats disrupt metabolism, leading to fat accumulation in the abdominal area.
• They contribute to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

4. Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

• Research suggests that people who consume high amounts of trans fats have a 40% higher risk of developing diabetes.
• These fats interfere with insulin function, making blood sugar control more difficult.

5. Liver Damage & Inflammation

• Trans fats increase liver fat storage, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
• They also contribute to chronic inflammation, which is linked to several diseases.

Popular Biscuits That Contain Trans Fats

Many well-known biscuit brands use trans fats, even if they don’t explicitly mention them on the label. Here are some common biscuits that may contain hidden trans fats:

1. Cream Biscuits & Filled Cookies – These often contain margarine and hydrogenated oils.
2. Glucose & Digestive Biscuits – Marketed as “healthy,” but some brands still use trans fats.
3. Salted Crackers & Butter Biscuits – High in unhealthy fats and sodium.
4. Packaged Bakery Cookies – Most store-bought cookies are loaded with artificial trans fats.
5. Tea Rusk & Khari – These flaky, crispy snacks often use hydrogenated oils for texture.

Even when labels claim “zero trans fats,” some products may still contain small amounts due to loopholes in labeling laws.

How to Identify & Avoid Trans Fats in Biscuits

Here are some tips to help you make smarter choices when buying biscuits:

1. Read the Ingredient List Carefully

• Look for terms like “partially hydrogenated oils” or “vegetable shortening”—these indicate trans fats.
• Avoid biscuits with artificial flavoring, preservatives, and emulsifiers.

2. Check the Nutrition Label

• Even if a product claims “zero trans fats”, check if it contains hydrogenated oils.
• Products with less than 0.5g of trans fats per serving can legally be labeled as “trans fat-free.”

3. Choose Whole-Grain & Homemade Biscuits

• Opt for whole wheat or oats-based biscuits with natural ingredients.
• Consider baking biscuits at home using butter or olive oil instead of margarine.

4. Opt for Healthier Snacks

• Replace biscuits with nuts, seeds, fruits, or homemade granola bars.
• Try plain yogurt with honey as a healthy alternative to tea-time biscuits.

5. Avoid Processed & Packaged Bakery Items

• Many store-bought baked goods contain trans fats. Instead, choose freshly baked or homemade options.

Healthier Alternatives to Store-Bought Biscuits

If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, here are some options:

1. Homemade Oat Biscuits – Made with oats, honey, and coconut oil.
2. Almond Flour Cookies – Low-carb, high-protein, and free of trans fats.
3. Banana & Nut Butter Cookies – Naturally sweet and nutrient-rich.
4. Whole-Wheat Crackers – Baked with olive oil and minimal ingredients.
5. Ragi (Finger Millet) Biscuits – Rich in fiber and antioxidants, a great choice for heart health.

Conclusion

While tea-time biscuits may seem harmless, they often contain hidden trans fats that can negatively impact heart health, cholesterol levels, and overall well-being. The presence of partially hydrogenated oils in many commercial biscuits makes them a silent threat to your health.

By reading labels carefully, choosing whole-grain or homemade options, and replacing unhealthy snacks with nutritious alternatives, you can protect your heart while still enjoying your tea-time ritual. Small changes in your diet today can lead to a healthier heart and a longer, disease-free life.

So, the next time you reach for a biscuit with your tea, ask yourself—is it truly as innocent as it seems?