In 2003 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a regulation on trans fats, allowing manufacturers to place no more than 0.5 grams of trans fats, per serving, in any given food. It was not until the 1990s, however, that this link began to receive widespread notice. Since the mid-1950s, research has suggested there is a link between trans fats and coronary heart disease. This also explains why trans fats grew in the processed food industry: they make the food last longer and decrease refrigeration requirements. Elaidic acid is solid at room temperature because trans molecules are tightly packed.Elaidic acid has a much higher melting point of 45 вЊ.Oleic acid is liquid at room temperature because cis molecules are loosely packed.Oleic acid has a lower melting point of 13.4 вЊ.For example, the trans fatty acid elaidic acid and naturally occurring oleic acid have the same chemical formula (C 9H 17C 9H 17O 2), but they have different chemical and physical properties: The video below provides a visual explanation for cis and trans chemical structures.ДЄ fat's chemical and physical properties change depending on the arrangement of molecules. If the hydrogen atoms are on the opposite side of the double bonds of the carbon chain, then it is said to be in 'trans' configuration. If the hydrogen atoms are on the same side of the double bonds of the carbon chain then it is said to be in 'cis' configuration. In unsaturated fatty acids, the carbon atoms that are missing a hydrogen atom are joined by double bonds, rather than single bonds, so that each carbon atom participates in four bonds. In the trans configuration the carbon chain extends from opposite sides of the double bond making a straighter molecule. Research is ongoing.Д¬hemical structure of Elaidic acid (C 9H 17C 9H 17O 2), an isomer of oleic acid, but a trans fat. The general consensus is that this type of trans fat should be avoided as much as possible, too however, some research has suggested that natural trans fats are quite different from commercially-created trans fats and may even protect the heart. One area scientists remain uncertain about is the effects of consuming naturally-occurring trans fats, which are rare but found in small quantities in meat and dairy products. So the consumption of trans fat should be as low as possible.

Numerous other studies have found links between unsaturated trans fat and obesity, as well as colon cancer. A similar study found that for every 2% of trans fat-based energy, there was a 73% greater risk of infertility in women. What's more, trans fats increase the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the body, thereby increasing the risk of clogged arteries and coronary heart disease.ДЄt least one study found that for every 2% of energy derived from trans fats, there was an associated 23% increase for cardiovascular risk. In 2002, the National Academy of Sciences concluded that trans fatty acids, whether of plant or animal origin, are nonessential and provide no benefit to human health. While consuming cis fats in unnaturally large quantities poses a health risk, unsaturated cis fats - monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats - generally increase the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body while also decreasing bad cholesterol.

Cis to cyme