trans fats discussion

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From a newsletter I receive. Comments welcome.

It's important to define what atrans fat is first. Trans fatty acids are

created through a process called hydrogenation, which basically forces

hydrogen into a highly heated oil creating a hard product from a liquid

product--more commonly known as shortening or margarine.

The problem with trans fats is they are just as culpable as

saturated fats for raising LDL levels (low density

lipoprotein, the " bad cholesterol " ). But unlike saturated fats

(which also raise HDL levels), trans fats actually reduce HDL

levels (high density lipoprotein, the " good cholesterol " ). So

you can see where the margarine/butter debate would logically

end.

Though trans fats have only been seriously studied for the

past 10 years, there are some early indications that trans

fats could increase your risk to cancer, diabetes and may even

cause pregnancy complications.

The FDA is planning on making changes to food labels by 2006

to include information on trans fats so the consumer can

distinguish if this is indeed something he'd want to buy,

based on the nutrition offered (or not offered) and/or the

potential risk involved in consuming that particular food.

So what will the FDA say is an acceptable amount of trans fat

in the diet? In my estimation, it doesn't matter what they

say. Any product that contains hydrogenated oils, shortening

or margarine should be avoided. Some of the biggest trans fat

offenders are donuts, crackers, cookies and French fries. You

can probably add to that list. Just start reading labels.

In this day and age, there is no reason to not be reading

nutrition labels. Stay away from hydrogenated anything (and

partially hydrogenated oils, as well) and give your body the

healthy foods you need.

The food industry uses partially hydrogenated and hydrogenated

oils because they're cheap. Don't short change your health by

thinking you're being frugal using products that contain

hydrogenated oils. You'll pay in the long run with something

irreplaceable--your health.