It is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet in order for the body to work at its optimum level and new research has highlighted the importance of further avoiding trans fats.

A report appearing in Atherosclerosis explains how consuming trans fats can lead to clogged arteries because the carbon chains in the fats are unnaturally developed and thus interfere with the function of an important enzyme that regulates blood flow.

Trans fats lead to plaque buildup, eventually clogging arteries and causing high blood pressure. As a result, veterinary biosciences professor, Fred Kummerow, highlights the importance of avoiding these fats to maintain healthy arteries.

“The arteries of someone who dies from atherosclerosis look like old scrub boards as a result of the formation of plaques, he explains reasoning that “this plaque buildup continues to the point where it will stop blood flow.”

While trans fats cause clogged arteries, there are many good fats which the body uses that can be found in omega-3 nutritional supplements and individuals can receive the full range of these benefits by following a trans fat-free diet and exercise plan.