Let's NOT have some Trans Fat
- What’s all the fuss with Trans Fats?
- Trans fats increase heart-disease risk and is known to contribute to cancer, diabetes and strokes. Not only do trans fats raise LDL(bad) cholesterol(which builds up on artery walls), but it may even lower HDL(good) cholesterol(which sends cholesterol to the liver to get rid of). When compared with saturated fats, trans fats are a higher risk for heart conditions caused by arteries closing up. Trans fats are formed thru a process that makes it artificially saturated.
Trans fats exist in small amounts in animal products, but they are more dangerous when consumed from processed foods. You can find plenty of Trans Fats in cookies, chips, cakes, crackers and margarine.
- Buyer Beware - How to Avoid Trans Fats
- Look closely before you buy. Read the ingredient list of any food carefully and if you see “partially hydrogenated”, that means it has trans fat. Depending how high on the ingredient list you see it, will tell you how much there is. Ingredient lists are always listed by the highest quantity listed first. It also depends on how many servings you eat. To avoid it all together, try a food that uses nonhydrogenated oils such as olive or canola oil.
Watch What You Eat
Fried foods are notorious for having trans fat. Your regular morning doughnut has about 3.2 trans fat grams and your lunch fries has about 6.8 grams. Also keep in mind that restaurants may be frying up what we don’t expect like chicken, breaded zucchini, fish, breakfast foods and tortillas. So don’t be shy and ask them how the food is prepared before you order. Eat ALL fats sparingly. Avoid processed foods and you’ll avoid trans fat. Recommended by the American Heart Association, limit your daily fat intake from 5-8 teaspoons(25-40 grams). Make 90% of your fat intake, the good fat like fish, nuts, avocados, olive and canola oils. Your body needs fat…but choose the right fats and the right amount and you’ll be internally healthier.