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Bye-Bye, Trans Fats! - The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced recently that it was removing trans fats off the “Generally Recognized as Safe” list and companies would have to phase these fats out of their foods. And while this makes nutrition experts happy, most folks don’t even know what trans fats are. We give you the scoop on why these dangerous fats are so bad for our health. —Kellee Terrell(Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

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What Are They Exactly? - Trans fats have been around since the 1950s. Also called partially hydrogenated oils, these fats are created when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil. Combining the two makes the oil more solid and from there they are added to foods in hopes to make them more flavorful and give them longer shelf life. (Photo: Finbarr O'Reilly/REUTERS)

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Why Are Trans Fats Unhealthy? - Trans fats are found to raise “bad” cholesterol, lower “good” cholesterol, raise your triglyceride (fat in your blood) level and raise your heart disease risk. The FDA commissioner believes that 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths a year in the United States could be eliminated if trans fats were no longer in foods.  (Photo: Science PR/Getty Images)

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Where Are They Found? - Trans fats are found in most processed foods and oils we love: Crisco, Fig Newtons, Ritz Crackers, Betty Crocker frosting, International Delight coffee creamers, microwave popcorn, fried foods, frozen dinners, pie crusts and even pancake mix. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

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How Much Trans Fats Should We Eat? - It depends on whom you ask. The American Heart Association says that we should only have up to two grams of trans fats per day, while other health experts says we shouldn’t have any, if we can help it. (Photo: Courtesy of American Heart Association)

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Phasing Out Our Trans Fats Ain’t Cheap - While it’s a good move for our health, companies will pay the price. The FDA estimates that it will cost about $8 billion initially to remove trans fats from the food supply and $14 billion over the next 20 years, CNN.com reported. But over the years, companies have voluntarily phased out the use of trans fats in the past eight years, so perhaps cost isn’t a factor.(Photo:Iain Bagwell/Getty Images)

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Trans Fats and African-American Health - A 2009 study found that higher rates of colon cancer among African-Americans may be linked to higher diets with trans fats. Not to mention, obesity and trans fats go hand in hand, and it’s not a secret that Blacks — children and adults — bear the brunt of the obesity epidemic in the U.S.(Photo: ZEPHYR/Getty Images)

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Why You Need to Read Labels - In 2006, the FDA required trans fats to be added to labels on all foods. However it’s important to pay attention to the labels: Foods can be labeled trans-fats free and still have a small amount of trans fats. And if you eat a bunch of foods will a small traces of trans fats, it can add up. (Photo: Blend Images/JGI/Tom Grill/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Blend Images/JGI/Tom Grill/Getty Images

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What You Should Eat Instead - This is simple. Instead of relying on processed foods for every meal, opt for fruits and veggies and low-fat meats such as fish and turkey. Also keep in mind that not all fats are bad. Mono-unsaturated fats (olive oil, avocados, nuts and peanut butter) and polyunsaturated fats (tofu, salmon, pumpkin seeds and soy) are good for you. Read more about healthy fats here.(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)