New York City is considering banning the use of oils containing trans fats at all restaurants in the Big Apple. Chicago is debating a similar law. KFC announced that they are planning to switch to a trans fat free oil by April of 2007. The Walt Disney Company is ending the use of trans fats in their theme parks. By 2008, they will no longer enter into licensing or promotional agreements for foods that contain trans fat.
What's the big deal about trans fats and how does it affect you?
Where do trans fats come from?
Trans fats occur naturally in very small amounts in the milk and fat of ruminant animals. (Ruminant animals are those who have hooves and chew their cud. They include cows, sheep, goats and buffalo.)
The majority of trans fats in the American diet come from products using hydrogenated oils. Crisco was one of the first available hydrogenated oils. These oils are created using hydrogen and, generally, vegetable oil.
Why are trans fats useful to restaurants and food manufacturers?
Trans fat oils remain shelf stable much longer than other oils. Foods made with them remain fresher for longer. Trans fat oils require less refrigeration. Because trans fat oils have been used to replace animal fats, such as butter and lard, they also appeal to vegetarians and those who follow the rules of keeping Kosher or Halal.
Why are trans fats considered harmful?
Trans fatty acids increase the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol). They decrease the levels of HDL (good cholesterol). There is a strong link between consuming trans fats and coronary heart disease. Since they provide no benefits, it is best to avoid them.
What are the current recommendations on how much trans fat a person should consume daily?
The National Academy of Sciences says that there is no safe level for trans fat consumption.
Are there any large restaurant chains who have already made the switch to frying in trans fat free oils?
Wendys, Ruby Tuesdays, Panera Bread and Chili's already use trans fat free oils.
Who, if anyone, will benefit financially from the switch to trans fat free oils?
The same manufacturers who currently supply oils with trans fats will be supplying the trans fat free oils. These firms include the J.M. Smuckers Co., Cargill, Archer-Daniels-Midland, and Bunge. The revenue will simply shift from one product to another.
Consumers should benefit financially if it improves their health. Lower levels of disease translate into fewer medical needs and expenses.
How can I find out how much trans fat is in a food?
Nutritional labels must now list the amount of trans fat contained in packaged foods. Restaurants are not required to provide this information. French fries and other fried foods may contain trans fats. So do some doughnuts, baked goods, hamburgers, ice cream, and salty snacks. Pressure from consumers could be useful in getting restaurants to state how much trans fat is in their food. Consumer concern may also encourage restaurants to make the switch to healthier oils.
How can I reduce the amount of trans fat I consume?
Check the nutrition labels on packaged items to see how much trans fat they contain.
Check nutrition information at restaurant websites to see if they list the amount of trans fats in their menu items. If it is not listed, call and ask.
When cooking at home, use trans fat free versions of hydrogenated oils, such as Crisco.
Cut back on fried foods wherever you eat.
Ask your school, workplace cafeteria, and favorite restaurants to make the switch to trans fat free oils.
What's the big deal about trans fats and how does it affect you?
Where do trans fats come from?
Trans fats occur naturally in very small amounts in the milk and fat of ruminant animals. (Ruminant animals are those who have hooves and chew their cud. They include cows, sheep, goats and buffalo.)
The majority of trans fats in the American diet come from products using hydrogenated oils. Crisco was one of the first available hydrogenated oils. These oils are created using hydrogen and, generally, vegetable oil.
Why are trans fats useful to restaurants and food manufacturers?
Trans fat oils remain shelf stable much longer than other oils. Foods made with them remain fresher for longer. Trans fat oils require less refrigeration. Because trans fat oils have been used to replace animal fats, such as butter and lard, they also appeal to vegetarians and those who follow the rules of keeping Kosher or Halal.
Why are trans fats considered harmful?
Trans fatty acids increase the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol). They decrease the levels of HDL (good cholesterol). There is a strong link between consuming trans fats and coronary heart disease. Since they provide no benefits, it is best to avoid them.
What are the current recommendations on how much trans fat a person should consume daily?
The National Academy of Sciences says that there is no safe level for trans fat consumption.
Are there any large restaurant chains who have already made the switch to frying in trans fat free oils?
Wendys, Ruby Tuesdays, Panera Bread and Chili's already use trans fat free oils.
Who, if anyone, will benefit financially from the switch to trans fat free oils?
The same manufacturers who currently supply oils with trans fats will be supplying the trans fat free oils. These firms include the J.M. Smuckers Co., Cargill, Archer-Daniels-Midland, and Bunge. The revenue will simply shift from one product to another.
Consumers should benefit financially if it improves their health. Lower levels of disease translate into fewer medical needs and expenses.
How can I find out how much trans fat is in a food?
Nutritional labels must now list the amount of trans fat contained in packaged foods. Restaurants are not required to provide this information. French fries and other fried foods may contain trans fats. So do some doughnuts, baked goods, hamburgers, ice cream, and salty snacks. Pressure from consumers could be useful in getting restaurants to state how much trans fat is in their food. Consumer concern may also encourage restaurants to make the switch to healthier oils.
How can I reduce the amount of trans fat I consume?
Check the nutrition labels on packaged items to see how much trans fat they contain.
Check nutrition information at restaurant websites to see if they list the amount of trans fats in their menu items. If it is not listed, call and ask.
When cooking at home, use trans fat free versions of hydrogenated oils, such as Crisco.
Cut back on fried foods wherever you eat.
Ask your school, workplace cafeteria, and favorite restaurants to make the switch to trans fat free oils.
