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If you’re a dedicated vegetarian, prepare to be appalled. If you’re convinced that saturated fat is bad for your health, prepare to be surprised.

Trans-fats (trans fatty acids) are created by the hydrogenation of vegetable oil, a process that gives the oil a longer shelf life, making it a perfect choice for restaurants and manufacturers of processed foods.

But many studies over the past decade have shown trans fatty acid intake to be associated with a significantly higher risk of artery damage, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and some cancers.

A 2002 report from a US National Academy of Sciences panel concluded with this recommendation: “The only safe intake of trans-fat is zero.”

But it’s worth pointing out that lard is 40 percent saturated fat (compared to coconut oil’s 85 percent and palm kernel oil’s 80 percent) and has a very respectable 45 percent mono unsaturated fat (the healthiest type of fat).