Transfat Whats the Big Deal?

Trans fat has been linked to heat disease, certain cancers including breast cancer, diabetes, obesity, immune dysfunction and low birth weights in babies.

You’ve more than likely heard about “Good Fats” and “Bad Fats” most of your life.

What are they and where do Trans Fats fit in?

Unsaturated fats are the “Good Fats”. They are derived from plants. Unsaturated fats will help keep your cholesterol in check. These include both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.

Monounsaturated fats include olive oil, canola oil, and peanut oil (some studies indicate these are the healthiest of all fats). It’s also found in olives, nuts and avocados.

Polyunsaturated fats include safflower oil, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, sesame, cottonseed and corn oil.

Saturated fats are the “Bad Fats”.  They are generally derived from animal products. These fats are associated with heart disease and arteriosclerosis (thickening and hardening of the arteries).

Foods containing saturated fats include meat, poultry and dairy products. Don’t cut these out of your diet. – Just eat them in moderation.

Transfat is a man made substance. It is not essential or beneficial to our health. They should be avoided when possible.

It is created by a hydrogenation process … Simply stated its turning liquid oils into a solid fat. Partial hydrogenation of fats and oils result in a mixture of fatty acids.

Companies began using transfat because it increases the shelf life of products.

It was first commercialized in 1911 as Crisco.

Foods that may contain trans fats include vegetable shortening, some margarines, deep fried foods, fried chicken, French fries, crackers, chips, cookies, doughnuts, pastry, , breads, salad dressings, pancake mixes, hot chocolate, energy and protein bars, commercially baked products and fast foods.

A lot of prepackaged shelf stable diet products also contain transfat.

Small quantities of Trans fat occur naturally in meat and dairy products. These natural Trans fats are believed to be healthier than their man made counterpart. The majority of Trans fats consumed comes from man made Trans fats.

Effective January 1, 2006 all nutrition labels in US must list Trans fats. This means that Trans fat will not be lurking in the shadows of the foods we eat. It’s up to us to read labels and pay attention to what we are eating.

Something to think about …. The FDA estimates the average American eats 4.7 pounds of Trans fats each year. Picture a 5 pound bag of potatoes. Can you imagine eating that much fat? Having it clog your arteries and such. Yuck.

Bottom Line:

You can’t and shouldn’t eliminate fat from your diet. It is essential to your overall health and well-bing. But you can start making smarter choices about what you put into your body.

Choose the good Unsaturated Fats most of the time. These are better for you and helps to lower bad cholesterol.

Learn to read labels. Remember if the label lists hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated it has trans fat in it.

Limit your fat intake to 30% or less of your total daily caloric intake.

Looking for a healthy nutritious weight loss program?
Eat to beat heart disease at eDiets.com

Check out FDAs Information to Consumers regarding transfats.

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