The Truth About Fatty Acids

Trans fat is used in food items to increase the shelf life of the product and to reduce the need for refrigerating the foods. Bakers use trans fats such as lard and butter to suspend semi-solid fats and solid fats at room temperature. Trans fat is commonly found in food items like spreads, packaged foods, soups, fast food, frozen food, baked products, cookies and cakes, donuts, pound cake, cream filled cookies, chips and crackers. Trans fat can be easily identified by locating the nutrition food label on the food product. If the phrase hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated is found on the label then the product contains trans fat.  

• Q & A about Trans Fats. This site contains frequently asked questions about trans fat and helps to describe the role of trans fat in food.
• Foods to Avoid. This site makes note of certain foods that contain trans fat which should be avoided. It also gives healthier alternatives.
  
• Nutrition Facts Label. This site is a reference to consumers on how to properly read food labels and discern if there is trans fat in a product.
  

What Affects Do Trans Fats Have on a Person's Health?

Trans fat increases bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and causes a build up of plaque in the arteries which increases the chance of coronary heart disease or heart attack. Scientific research has found that the risk of several types of cancer and type 2 diabetes is increased by trans fats. A study issued at the Archives of Neurology states that trans fats enhance the development of Alzheimers's disease.

• Risk of Alzheimer's. This site explains about the ill effects of trans fat, and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and decline of cognitive function.  
• Harmful Effects of Trans Fat. This site contains information on the health problems caused by the consumption of trans fats. Trans fats cause serious health problems, much more so than mere weight gain and stretch marks.
  

What is the Argument behind Listing Trans Fats as Separate from Saturated Fats?

The Food and Drug Administration has made it compulsory for all food manufacturers to list trans fat on nutrition fact labels. This will certainly help in fighting diet related diseases, but the World Health Organization suggests that if the labeling process does keep people from consuming too much trans fat, then all countries should gradually stop the partial hydrogenation of oil processing. Denmark has put a ban on trans fat foods and it is an encouraging model for all other countries. The Danish experience has clearly shown that trans fat can be easily removed by enlightened policy and legislation.

Are there any Alternatives to Trans Fats?

There are many alternatives for trans fats and it is important to convince the food manufacturers to use these alternatives. These alternatives help to fight obesity and weight-related diseases. Some of the alternatives are butter fat, coconut oils, fully hydrogenated vegetable oils, and liquid vegetable oils like canola, rapeseed, and soy oils.

Disclaimer: The information provided within this site is not meant to be a substitute for a medical doctor's opinion. This site is for informational purposes ONLY. Please check with your medical practitioner before any type of treatment or prevention method is started.