Junk foods contain large amounts of trans fatty acids, which are very harmful to the human body, especially for pregnant women.
Researchers found that if 2% of the total calories a woman wants to eat each day comes from trans fat instead of carbohydrates or unsaturated fats from foods such as sunflower oil, then these women are caused by a decrease in ovulation. The chance of infertility will be more than 70% higher than others.
According to the latest issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health conducted a survey of 18,500 women who were preparing to get pregnant and found that 438 of them were less likely to conceive because they were unable to ovulate.
Researchers found that if 2% of the total calories a woman wants to eat each day comes from trans fat instead of carbohydrates or unsaturated fats from foods such as sunflower oil, then these women are caused by a decrease in ovulation. The chance of infertility will be more than 70% higher than others.
In general, a woman takes about 2,000 calories a day from food. If trans fats account for 2% of calories, it means that she takes 4 grams of trans fat every day. To achieve this number is a breeze, a pie with a few French fries or a donut is enough.
Dr. Jorge Chavaro, who led the study, suggested that pregnant women should be careful to consume trans fat foods while quitting smoking and maintaining a reasonable weight, especially those with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Researchers have not yet found the reason why trans fats cause ovulation problems, but they believe that trans fats may cause insulin sensitivity, and abnormal insulin levels can lead to infertility.
Fats are divided into two categories: unsaturated fats and saturated fats. Most of plant fats are unsaturated fats, animal fats and a few plant fats (such as coconut and palm) are saturated fats. Most trans fats are made from hydrogenated vegetable fats. They are artificial saturated fats and are widely used in breads, biscuits, various kinds of pastry, potato chips, French fries and salad dressings. Trans fats have no nutritional value but can extend the shelf life of foods. There have been studies that found that trans fats can cause many diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease.