Some Trans Fats Will Be Removed From Food

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration said recently that food manufacturers need to remove partially hydrogenated oils from their products within the next three years, a move that a New York nutritionist says will be highly beneficial.

“We’ve known for years that trans fats, which come from partially hydrogenated oils, not only raise ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, but also lower ‘good’ HDL cholesterol,” said Stephanie Schiff, RD, nutritionist at Huntington Hospital. “Trans fats have long been considered to be the worst type of fat you can consume… Some studies show that trans fat intake promotes abdominal obesity and weight gain. Trans fats have also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, certain types of cancer and depression.”

Eating foods with trans fats can increase someone’s risk of a heart attack, cardiovascular disease, stroke and Type II diabetes, according to the American Heart Association.

People can try to avoid trans fats in their diet before the ban on partially hydrogenated oils kicks in three years from now. Ms. Schiff advises that trans fats are found mainly in processed foods, especially in packaged, baked goods. Some restaurants also use partially hydrogenated oil in their food, she added.

“Right now, even foods that are labeled as ‘0% trans fat’ may still contain partially hydrogenated oils, since one serving of a food can contain up to .5 grams of trans fats, and still be labeled ‘trans fat free’,” Ms. Schiff said.

Consumers who very carefully read labels can attempt to avoid nutrition labels can try to avoid these partially hydrogenated oils.

For more information about trans fats, check out this article about the trans fats ban.