Final answer:
The most common sources of trans fat in the American diet are found in snack foods such as commercially baked goods, margarine, and microwave popcorn. Trans fats are linked to increased bad cholesterol and heart disease, and checking food labels for partially hydrogenated oils can help avoid these fats.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common sources of trans fat in the American diet are from snack foods like commercially baked goods, desserts, margarine, frozen pizza, microwave popcorn, and coffee creamers. These foods often contain partially hydrogenated oils, which can lead to an increase in levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol. High consumption of trans fat is associated with higher risks of heart disease and stroke. Food labels are now required by law to list trans fat content, which helps consumers make more informed choices. While many fast-food restaurants have eliminated the use of trans fats due to health concerns, processed foods found in the grocery aisles, such as certain cookies, chips, and other snacks, may still contain them. It's crucial to check labels for partially hydrogenated oils to avoid these unhealthy fats.