Revolution in the Food World: No More Trans Fat Usage
The FDA has determined that trans fats found in margarine and baked goods are hazardous and has mandated their removal from all food products within 3 years.
Now it's official: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the FDA, announced yesterday (Tuesday) that in three years, the use of trans fats in all food produced in the United States will be completely banned.
Trans fat is created when vegetable fat is taken and chemically processed into a hardened form. This process reduces product cost and extends shelf life.
However, trans fat is a significant enemy of the human body: it raises triglyceride levels. High triglyceride levels can lead to hardening or narrowing of blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of strokes, diabetes, and heart disease. Trans fat also raises (LP(a) lipoprotein a, which is a specific type of cholesterol LDL found in the blood. Trans fats make the fat particles smaller and denser, promoting fat deposits in blood vessel walls.
"Trans fat is the tragedy of the American diet" (Photo: shutterstock)Trans fat is mainly found in junk food like pizzas and greasy baked goods, particularly frozen ones, as well as chips and popcorn. The best choice is unsaturated oils, which can be found in olives, peanuts, canola oil, peanuts, olive oil, nuts, almonds, avocados, and sesame seeds.
As early as 2006, the FDA ordered food companies to list the trans fat content on the product, which led to a significant decrease in trans fat levels in food. Approximately a year and a half ago, the food administration announced its intention to deliver a "death blow" to trans fat.
"Today's decision is intended to improve the health of U.S. residents," said Dr. Susan Mayne, head of the nutritional department at the FDA, "This determination is based on extensive research that examined the effects of trans fats on human health."
