Trans Fats

What are trans fats?

Trans fats are made when hydrogen is added to
unsaturated oils-such as vegetable oil-through a
process called hydrogenation. Hydrogenation is
used because it extends the shelf life of the product
that has been processed, along with helping the
product keep its flavor. Most trans fat is
manufactured, but some of it occurs naturally in
animal products.

Are trans fats essential to good health?
No, trans fats are not essential. In fact, they are
known to lower good HDL cholesterol and raise bad
LDL cholesterol. They have also been linked to
coronary heart disease. Some manufacturers
substitute other ingredients, such as palm oil, for
trans fats, though they are sometimes almost as
bad as trans fats. It is difficult for the body to get rid
of trans fats as they build up in arteries, forming
plaques.

What are some major sources of trans fat?
Trans fats are found in many foods. According to
the FDA, some major offenders are, in order of
frequency in food::
40%-cakes, cookies, pies, etc.
21%-animal products
17%-margarine
8%-fried potatoes
5%-potato chips, corn chips, popcorn
4%-household shortening
3%-salad dressing
1%-breakfast cereal
1%-candy
There are many others beside the foods listed
above, but they are the most common sources for
the average American adult.

How can I avoid trans fats?
It is very difficult to eliminate trans fat consumption
altogether-the average American consumes 4.7
pounds of trans fat yearly. Thankfully, drastic
measures are being taken to help us limit our
consumption. In 2004, Tiburon, California became
the first city in America to ban trans fats from its 18
restaurants. In December 2006, New York City
followed Tiburons example and passed a ban on
trans fats, applying to the 24,000 restaurants
citywide. Philadelphia followed New York with a
similar ban, and several other major cities are
lobbying to impose bans of their own. On your own,
you can check food labels for partially
hydrogenated saturated fat or shortening-both
sources of trans fat. Some healthy options are
olives, fish, nuts, peanut and canola oil.

Sources:
www.fda.gov
www.wikipedia.org
www.bantransfats.com
www.mayoclinic.com