Trim Down Tip

Cut Out the Trans Fat


There has been a lot of press surrounding trans fat over the past few years.  Trans fat is a relatively new subject in the realm of nutrition--and not for good reason.  Let me explain...


What?
Trans fat is a man made fat.  It is created through a chemical process in which hydrogen is added to liquid fat (vegetable oils).  This makes it solid at room temperature.  It is also known as partially hydrogenated oil.  


Why?
Trans fats were created to increase shelf life of products.  It all comes down to the money--the longer the products last the better it is for the company that makes it.  But what about what it does to us?


Is it really that bad for me?
Um...yeah.  Trans fat does exactly what you do not want it to do.  The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 recommend you keep your intake of trans fat as low as possible.  It not only raises your bad cholesterol, aka LDL, but also decreases your good cholesterol, aka HDL.  To make matters worse, it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and type II diabetes.  For more information, check out the American Heart Association--it's a fabulous resource.    


How do you avoid it?
As of January 2006, the FDA requires all food manufacturers to list trans fat on the nutrition label.  However, regulations state that it only needs to be listed if there are more than .5 grams per serving.  So, just because the label says zero--there could be some lurking in your food.  Read the ingredient list and look for paritally hydrogenated oil or shortening.  If either ingredient is listed--there is trans fat--and remember for each additional serving the amount of trans fat doubles!


If your food of choice doesn't have a nutrition label--use this rule of thumb: processed foods such as cookies, crackers, fried foods, cakes etc. usually contain trans fat.  Stick margarine was created by adding trans fats--so use whipped products instead.  For more information on butter click here.  Many bakeries use trans fat -- so feel free to ask proprietors what kind of oil they use--don't be ashamed--it's your health!




California is the only state to have banned the use of trans fat cooking oils (as of January 1st this year!).  Many cities and towns are working on legislation to do the same--New York, Philadelphia and Boston have done so already.  So if you are fired up about the use of trans fats in foods you eat--let your local government know.  A lot of baby steps can add up to big changes!








Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com