Promoting Health

This is a question posed to the Nutrition Specialists.

Cis and Trans both have double bonds however cis is naturally occurring in nature.

I thought the means of hydrogenation changed a trans-isomer from a cis-isomer? But there are no extra H-bonds in the new structure. 

Apparently trans-fatty acids are treated like a saturated fatty acid in the body so here I have four questions.

Are cis-fatty acids heated or undergo hydrogenation to form trans-fatty acids and how is this reaction able to change it from a cis to a trans?

In regards to the body treating trans-fats like saturated fats, do mainstream consumers think they are eating a form of unsaturated fat if consuming trans-fats?

What affect do trans-fatty acids have on the body? Are they unrecognised forms due to being mechanically formed into the unnatural trans-structure?

I look forward to your advice.

About the Author...

Rebecca is studying for a degree in Nutrition and would like to use her degree to work as a child Nutritionist and help parents of young children deal with food issues. She is a believer of returning back to basics when food ingredients did not contain numbers. She has worked in Child Care and as an International Nanny for 12 yrs and has travelled 27 countries. Her three favourite things are Good Food, Good Friends and Good Conversation.