Trans fats or trans-fatty acids are found in many off the shelf pastries such as donuts, cookies, etc. Also many restaurants use them to cook French fries, onions rings and other deep- fat-fried foods. Synthetic trans fats are created by manufacturers by adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils; these are called \"partially hydrogenated oils.\" This makes the oils more solid to give foods like cookies, pies, and French fries a rich, crispy texture. Natural trans fats are found in meat (cow, sheep, and goat) and dairy products. These trans fats are made in the stomach of the animals. Trans fats contribute to heart disease by raising bad LDL cholesterol -- the kind that can lead to hardening of the arteries -- and by lowering good HDL cholesterol -- the kind that can reduce heart disease risk. However, studies haven\'t distinguished whether natural trans fats are as harmful to cholesterol levels as their synthetic cousins. Experts consider trans fat the worst type of dietary fat. Trans fat contributes to heart disease by promoting low-grade inflammation in the blood vessels. And, trans fats are associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is not easy to avoid eating trans fats. The American Heart Association recommends limiting trans fats to less than 1 percent of daily calories. That\'s just 20 calories (2 grams) in a 2,000-calorie per day diet. That amount can easily come from naturally occurring trans-fatty acids in dairy products and meat from cows, goats and sheep. Product nutrition labels contain trans fat information. However, a product that has less than ½ gram of trans fat can be labeled as zero. Eating modest amounts of these products can easily add up to more 2 grams of trans fats. Look for the key words such as \"shortening,\" \"partially hydrogenated\" or \"hydrogenated\". These words indicate that the food contains trans fats even when the chart on the label indicates none. Many restaurants continue to use trans fats for deep-fried foods. Grilled or baked foods are more likely to be trans-fat free. Trans fats along with saturated fat are termed \'bad fats\'. The total intake of bad fats should be less than 10% of the daily diet. Trans fats may be an ingredient in some margarines; it\'s best to read the label. Maybe the use of these artificial fats is starting to wane. Recently New York City made headlines by banning trans fats in restaurants.