The Heart of the Matter: How Hydrogenated Oils in Nootropics May Affect Cardiovascular Health*

Hydrogenated Oils (often derived from soybean, cottonseed, canola, corn, and palm oil) are known to potentially contain trans fats if partially hydrogenated. However, these oils are typically inexpensive to produce, have a long shelf life, and can help improve flavor stability, making them common in many processed foods.*¹

But did you know Hydrogenated Oils can also be used in some nootropics? It’s true. These oils can be a hidden ingredient in some of these products, raising concerns about their potential impact on heart health.*

Why we, at HCF®, believe Hydrogenated Oils are a no-go for your Heart [2nd Brain] well-being.

So, what exactly are these 'trans fats'? Trans fats are created during the hydrogenation process (which changes the chemical structure of fats, making it difficult for your body's enzymes to break them down effectively). While not all trans fats stay in your system indefinitely (that being said, many of them do stay forever), their effects might have a lasting impact on your overall health—potentially affecting all three brains (head, heart, and gut).*

Plus, they may also reduce your High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL or the ‘good cholesterol’) levels. But your body needs good cholesterol. HDL can play an important role in removing the bad cholesterol that sticks to blood vessels, thus reducing the risk of developing heart challenges.*

And the science supports these findings. For instance, according to the Harvard School of Public Health, consuming trans fats can lead to inflammation in the body, potentially increasing the risk of conditions like premature aging, immune system challenges, and difficulties in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.*^2,3,4

Trans fats are, unfortunately, everywhere.

You are likely exposed to these trans fats on a daily basis. From baked goodies to those irresistible snack bites, and yes, even in nootropics, many items on our plate have a 'sprinkle' of Hydrogenated Oils.⁵

What's even worse? While many of us give a once-over to food labels scouting for trans fats, it's easy to miss the fine print.

So, what's the big deal? Sure, half a gram might not seem like a lot, but those numbers can ramp up quickly—especially for young adults or those who consume multiple servings at a time.

Despite the known risks, Hydrogenated Oils continue to find their way into many nootropics (and other dietary supplements).

The reason? Same as with most foods. They're cost-effective and enhance the product's shelf life.

So, even though you may be steering clear of foods rich in trans fats, you could still inadvertently consume these fats in your favorite nootropic or multivitamin.

Avoiding Hydrogenated Oils can be quite tricky (but not impossible).

The first step you can take is to try to reduce (or completely eliminate) processed foods from your diet.

Choose real butter instead of margarine; use coconut oil in cooking and baking; stick to fresh, whole foods and bring home foods that are as close to their original state as possible; make time for home-cooked meals prepared from scratch—like how your grandparents would have done.

Also, for those looking for a nootropic to support your cognitive health, you may want to choose one free from Hydrogenated Oils, artificial colors, flavors, and other potentially harmful additives. Not to mention that opting for a nootropic that uses natural, recognizable, and premium neuro-nutrient forms may also benefit nutrient absorption.*

At HCF®, we are dedicated to a comprehensive approach based on our 7 Advances® principles. What we do is advanced nootropics that can benefit not only the Head [1st Brain]], but also support the Heart [2nd Brain] and the Gut [3rd Brain]—unlike many other nootropics that focus on just the head-brain and often ignore all other aspects of true cognitive restoration.*