Americans, as a general rule, are known to be among the unhealthiest people in the world. Not only do we exercise less, have an easier work week, and do less physical activity, but we also eat more. The combination of those attributes has a disturbing effect on our population, yet few seem to take notice. .
But this problem is worthy of everyone's notice; at present over half of the adults in the United States, and approximately 30% of children and adolescents, are considered to be overweight (Lewis) . In our society it is not probable that we will suddenly realize the error of our ways and begin to exercise and take better care of our bodies, while also eating less. We have grown into a society where food is considered a reward and is a main focal point of nearly all social gatherings (Teresko) . So since it is highly unlikely that we will change our exercise habits or change the way food is viewed in society it becomes necessary to change what, exactly, it is that we eat. .
To change something for the better you must first know what is bad about it. In this day and age the vast majority of all foods consumed in the US are processed piles of artificial and unnecessary ingredients. Convenience is the main concern instead of our nation's health. Evidence of this can be found on the backs of nearly half of the products in a typical grocery store. .
When looking through the list of impossible-to-pronounce ingredients some of the most common words found will be "partially hydrogenated oil". Whether it be corn, soybean, or any number of other varieties, this type of oil is harmful, and in the long term, fatal, to those who consume it. .
To begin to understand the problem you must first know what it means to have "partially hydrogenated" anything. .
"Partially Hydrogenated" means: "the process of heating an oil and passing hydrogen bubbles through it. The fatty acids in the oil then acquire some of the hydrogen, which makes it denser.