Woman eating fast food.We have heard it a thousand times and we’ll hear it a thousand times again that trans-fats are the worst type of fats

And we all know about trans-fat in fried fast foods and other “jump in” joins.

But oftentimes trans-fat is hidden and you may not be aware that seemingly “healthy” foods include trans-fat. That’s why in today’s article I’m giving you examples of 5 foods that you may not be aware of that include trans-fat.

1)     Margarine.  Most of the oil-based shortenings, artificial butter and stick margarines are loaded with partially hydrogenated oils. Common margarine contains at least 1.5 grams of trans fats per serving. Margarine is a classic example of trans fat use to extend the shelf life of a product.

2)     Snacks and baked food.  Many boxed and processed crackers, cakes, desserts, cookies, chips and snack foods contain some levels of trans fats.

But popcorn is the healthiest snack, isn’t it? Even some well-known microwave popcorn brands are surprisingly high in trans fat levels. According to the Center for Science in the Public interest (CSPI) microwavable popcorn contains as much as 4 to 5 grams of trans fats per serving.

3)     Fast food.  Fortunately, some chain restaurants are slowly eliminating trans fats from use and moving to healthier alternatives. However, countless fast food restaurants are still deep-frying their products in hydrogenated oils.

As reported by CSPI, a Whopper from Burger King contains one gram of trans fats, LJ Silver’s Breaded Clam Strips have as much as 7 grams of trans fats per serving, and Popeye’s Breakfast Hashbrowns deliver 10 grams of this unhealthy fat.

4)    Dairy.  Dairy products like cheese, milk, ice cream and others are the main source of natural trans fats and the leading source of saturated fats.

One slice of New York style cheesecake contains 3 to 4 grams of this unhealthy fat.

5)     Meat.   Animal products like chicken, beef and pork are loaded with natural trans fats.  In fact, if we compared a hamburger with the same amount of Doritos, the meat contained at least a 10 times higher amount of trans fats.

It doesn’t mean that you should completely cut off dairy products or meat. Trans fats found in those products are of natural origin, therefore less risky that artificially produced trans fats in processed food. Just be aware of your daily intake of trans and saturated fat.

The most important message here is to be aware what is in the food you eat.

Always carefully read the labels if you choose to eat processed food from the box.Be aware if the label says that the food contains anything hydrogenated-it is loaded with artificial trans fats.

On the other hand, your body needs healthy fats. In fact, we can’t properly function without them. Fats like Omega 3 provide you with essential fatty acids crucial to your cardiovascular health and brain function. They also deliver important fat-soluble vitamins and energizing fuel.

The best sources of Omega 3 fats is flax seed oil, wild caught salmon, herring and fish oil.

(As a golden rule, the best and healthiest diet is the one containing unprocessed and whole foods like vegetables, fruits and legumes.  )

If your cholesterol levels have you concerned and you need to avoid statins because of a known risk factor or allergy, then the natural path is your only safe alternative.

Find out how a few simple changes in your diet will have you in the best health you’ve had – likely in your entire life…