What is hydrogenated vegetable shortening?

Hydrogenated vegetable shortening is a type of fat that is made from vegetable oils that have been processed to make them more solid at room temperature. This is done by adding hydrogen to the oils, which changes their chemical structure and makes them more saturated. Hydrogenated vegetable shortening is often used in baking and other food processing applications because it is a relatively inexpensive and stable fat. However, it is also high in trans fats, which have been linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. For this reason, many food manufacturers are now switching to healthier alternatives, such as non-hydrogenated vegetable oils.