Trans Fat Labeling
As of January 2006, the FDA required
all food manufacturers to have the
of trans fat listed on their
Trans fats have been around since
the 1940's. It was then that scientists
discovered that by injecting hydrogen
into vegetable oil, the oil would partially
harden. This made food taste better
and last a lot longer. The result was
a more cost effective way to produce
food. Fast forward to 1990 and
scientists discover that this trans fat
is very bad for our health.
Trans fats are responsible for increasing
cholesterol levels, especially
or low density lipoproteins.
High levels of LDL cause excessive
plaque buildup in the arteries which will
result in decreased blood flow to the heart.
Trans Fats -
Trans Fats - How
are they Used
Trans Fats - Oil
Trans fat also
decreases the amount of HDL or high density proteins,
which are responsible for taking excess cholesterol back
to liver to be processed as a waste product.
As you can see, having these two components of total
out of normal range can put you at risk for a heart
attack or stroke.
As of January 2006, the FDA requires all food
manufacturers to have the amount of trans fat listed on
their nutrition labels. If you take a look at the labels
of your favorite processed foods, you should be able to
spot the amount of trans fat listed between the
saturated fats and cholesterol. It is recommended that
you stay away from trans fat altogether. A lot of food
manufacturers are taking the trans fat out of their
products to promote a healthier lifestyle.
But is the trans fat labeling correct? Here is an
interesting point. When you look at a nutrition label
and it lists 0 grams of trans fat, make sure you read
the ingredients also.
If you see anything listed as partially hydrogenated
oil, the product contains trans fat. Partially
hydrogenated oil of any variety is another name for
How are they getting away with this? Some companies
will tell that they are not required to list trans fat
if the product contains less than 1/2 % trans fat. But
think about this. They are listing the percents by
serving size. Their serving sizes are definitely not
what the typical American considers a serving size. Try
feeding a teenage boy the recommended serving size of
macaroni and cheese and you will have one very hungry
boy on your hands.
So if there is 1/2% trans fat in a serving
and you eat what would be considered two servings, you
have just consumed 1% trans fat. The American Heart
Association recommends limiting trans fat consumption to
1 percent of your total calories per day. You have already
reached your limit of trans fat for the day in one dish.
Be a detective and read the nutrition label and all of
the ingredients. If your favorite brand contains trans
fat, switch to another. Write the company and let them
know that you switched and why. Educate your friends and
family about trans fat labeling. Do it for your health
and the health of your family.
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