|
 |
|
Why Are Transfats Bad Fats?Transfats are partially hydrogenated fats that are unhealthy types of fats found in snacks and dietary supplements. Eating these trans fatty acids raises your bad cholesterol and can have damaging effects on the heart.What Exactly Are Trans Fats?The FDA defines trans fatty acids as all unsaturated fatty acids that contain one or more isolated double bonds in a trans configuration. Trans fats are made industrially by the partial hydrogenation of unsaturated fats and are therefore also known as partially hydrogenated fats. Food companies and restaurants are increasingly using this form of fat in their products since they are inexpensive to produce and last longer. Trans fats are commonly found in snacks such as French fries, chips, cakes and doughnuts as well as butter and margarine.
How Are Transfats Regulated In the Food Industry?Previously, food packagers were only required to indicate the total amount of fat on the nutritional labels. Since they did not have to breakdown the amount into healthy unsaturated fats and the unhealthy fats, companies were getting away with using trans fats. However in Januray 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) imposed certain labeling guidelines for products containing trans fat. Commonly the amount of trans fats is found directly below the saturated fats on a nutritional label. According to the FDA regulations manufacturers are required to indicate the amount of trans fat in the supplement if they contain more than 0.5mg of trans fat per serving.How Do Trans Fatty Acids Affect Your Health?Like saturated fats and dietary cholesterol, partially hydrogenated fats raise the bad cholesterol in the body. They have also been known to increase the risk of a consumers developing type II diabetes. Small amounts are also found in meats and dairy products but the harmful effects from these sources have not been established. Dietary supplements such as nutrition bars may also contain trans fats in the form of partially hydrogenated oils.Remember to read nutritional labels carefully and not purchase products are that pumped with non-essential unhealthy fats such as trans fats. Return to Healthy Eating from Transfats
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
| Homepage | Eating Guidelines | Food Pyramid |
Healthy Foods | Lose Weight | Meal Plans |
Easy Recipes
| Health Supplements | Healthy Diets | Terms and Conditions |Feedback |Subscribe | Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for reference purposes only, and is not intended as medical or professional advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before commencing a diet or exercise program |
||
|
| ||