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Trans Fats / Trans Fatty Acids - Dangerous Fat Exposed

Author: Mark Alderson, CSCS
www.MaxPerformanceTraining.com

What Are They?

Trans fats have been in the news much more lately. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required manufacturers to list Trans Fat content on food packaging as a result of their potentially dangerous health risks (as of January 1, 2006).

Trans Fats are actually artificial fats. They are processed fats, and do not actually occur in nature. Perhaps this is why they are believed by the FDA to pose a more dangerous threat than other fats. They occur when hydrogen gas reacts with oil. Common foods containing these dangerous fats are potato chips, margarine, donuts, cake, many types of cookies, many types of crackers, many brands of “chips”, microwave popcorn, and numerous types of frostings.

Why Are Trans Fats Used?

If you are like me, you are probably asking yourself, why trans fats are used if they are believed to be hazardous to our health. The history of these fats goes back several decades. Food manufacturers learns that these trans fats could help extend the shelf life of their products. The first patent for Hydrogenated was given to a German Chemist, Wilhelm Normann, in 1902. By 1911, Proctor & Gamble had acquired the patent rights and were producing Crisco. Interestingly, The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) campaigned against fast foods using saturated fats starting in 1984. When fast food companies replaced the saturated fat with trans fat, CSPI's campaign against them ended. CSPI defended trans fats in their 1987 Nutrition Action newsletter. By 1992 CSPI began to speak against trans fats and is currently strongly against their use

Why Are Trans Fats Bad for Me?

It is widely accepted that high levels of fats can be detrimental to your health. Heart disease and obesity are often linked to fats in an individual’s diet. Both trans fats and other common fats raise LDL (bad Cholesterol). The major difference is that trans fats not only provide all of the same risks as other common fats, but they also reduce good cholesterol (HDL). A 2002 study by the Institute of Medicine concluded that there is no safe level of trans fats for humans to consume. According to the FDA’s estimates, the average daily intake of trans fat in the U.S. population is about 5.8 grams or 2.6 percent of calories per day for individuals 20 years of age and older.

Healthy Tips:

• Prepare your meals in advance
• Avoid eating “fast foods”
• Do not go grocery shopping when you are hungry
• Snack on your favorite fruits and vegetables
• Read packages and nutrition labels
• Make low fat selections
• Start making healthier eating selections TODAY

Other Trans Fat Resources:

FDA information compiled for trans fats. http://www.fda.gov/oc/initiatives/transfat/