Final answer:
The process of completely submerging food in hot fat or oil for cooking is known as deep fat frying. 'Partially hydrogenated' oil on a nutrition label indicates the presence of unhealthy trans fats. Processed foods typically have added sugars and preservatives and may be less nutritious than whole foods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of completely submerging food in hot fat or oil is known as deep fat frying. This cooking technique involves heating fat or oil to a high temperature and then placing food into the hot liquid to cook. Fats commonly used in this process include vegetable oil, butter, and mayonnaise. The high heat of the oil cooks the food quickly, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.
When examining nutrition labels, if you encounter the term "partially hydrogenated" oil, it refers to a type of fat that is likely to contain trans fats. These fats are created during the hydrogenation process to make the oil more solid at room temperature, such as in the production of margarine. Trans fats are not a healthy choice because they can increase bad cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.
Processed foods are often less healthy than whole foods for a couple of reasons. They frequently contain higher levels of added sugars and preservatives, and the processing can reduce the nutritional content of the food, making them less beneficial than their unprocessed counterparts.