You create semi-solid partially hydrogenated oil that has a consistency like butter (Armstrong) . .
The problem with these oils is that they contain high levels of Trans-Fatty Acids. The fats take the places of a naturally occurring enzyme in our bodies but because they aren't the correct enzyme they do the opposite of what our bodies would regularly do. These fats can build up on cell walls and in arteries and cause severe problems. In the long term it can lead to death, but they can also cause multiple sclerosis and arthritis among others. .
To avoid such bad repercussions it is necessary to limit one's intake of these oils and fats. But doing so has become a challenge. Partially hydrogenated oils are found in nearly every brand of chip, cookie, cake, dessert, and even bread. Avoiding them can be very tricky. The average American would think that all you have to do is eat health food, but in our society even health food is full of poison. .
Common ways to diet are to eat the low-fat, low-calorie microwavable dinners found in the local grocery store's freezer isle, but these supposedly healthy alternatives to fast food are chalk full of partially hydrogenated oils. Even the most diligent Lean-Cuisine eater will be doing nearly as much harm to themselves with their light meals as they would with any other meal (Halvorsen) . .
But how is it possible for people to avoid these oils and fats? Unfortunately and unfairly for the public, foods companies are under no obligation (yet) to list any trans-fatty acids or how much of them are in their products. Because of this, people have no way of knowing what it is they are eating and how bad it is for them. Trying to avoid these acids is nearly impossible. Finding the words "partially hydrogenated" means that there will be trans-fats, but these same fats are found in other ingredients as well. Until the food industry is required to label and list the trans-fats it will be nearly impossible for the average person to know what not to eat.