A recent study reveals trans fats in many processed foods and fast food meals may affect the brain and damage one's memory.

"While trans fats increase the shelf life of foods, they reduce the shelf life of people," says Dr. Beatrice Golomb, the author of the study that revealed trans fats may damage memory.

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Trans fat, or trans fatty acids, are unsaturated fats created artificially through the hydrogenation of oils. It's considered the most harmful fat people consume.

Large amount of fatty acids can be found in dairy products, processed meat and fast food meals. Despite its harmful effects on the body, people still use these fats to improve food flavor and extend food shelf-life.

The study revealed that out of 1,000 healthy men, those that consumed large amounts of trans fats had the worst results in the memory test. These participants memorized 11 words fewer than those that consumed less trans fats.

Researchers estimated each gram of excess trans fat means 0.76 fewer words in a person's memory. The reason behind this connection between fat consumption and memory damage is yet to be discovered.

Previous studies revealed that trans fats increase the chance of a person incurring heart diseases. It increases bad cholesterol and eats up good cholesterol.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration order that manufacturers reveal trans fat details of their products led to a large decrease in the amount of trans fat in these products. This also helped in the rapid decline of heart diseases in many areas.

Golomb's study was presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2014. Researchers gathered to discuss scientific studies about various cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Other research studies revealed that trans fat consumption can also affect body weight and increase aggression.

Tagstrans fat, memory loss