Trans Fat Free

Trans Fats Definition

Trans fats are found in two forms. Natural trans fats which occur in some meat and dairy products that have a small quantity of natural occurring trans fats. It is not clear if this causes any benefits or harm. Artificial trans fats are found in hydrogenated vegetable oils and have serious health consequences. Most trans fats are formed through an industrial process that adds hydrogen to vegetable oil, which causes the oil to become solid at room temperature. This partially hydrogenated oil has a longer shelf life, which in turn enhances the longevity of the food made from it. Some eateries use partially hydrogenated vegetable oil in their deep fryers, because it doesn’t have to be changed as often as do other oils.

Trans fat in your food

The manufactured form of trans fat known as partially hydrogenated oil, may be found in a variety of food products, including: Baked goods- cakes, cookies and pies Shortening- butter, margarine, vegetables and Microwave popcorn, Frozen pizza, Refrigerated dough – pizza dough, cookie dough, cinnamon rolls, biscuits and rolls. Fried foods- battered fish, hamburgers, fried noodles, french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken. Non-dairy coffee creamer & Stick margarine.

Trans Fat: Harmful Effects

Trans fats are the worst kind of fat to consume. Trans fats significantly increase the risk for heart attacks, stroke and type 2 diabetes. They have an unhealthy effect on cholesterol levels. Trans fats increases your LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and decreases your HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). They create fatty deposits within the arteries significantly enhancing the possibilities of a heart attack and strokes.

Trans Fat Regulation

The U.S. FDA has clamped down hard on artificial trans fats. In the U.S. of A, trans fats are banned in packaged foods and restaurant foods since the very obvious link to heart attacks. New York City has some of the toughest and most stringent norms against trans fats.
The Food Safety Authorities in India have reduced trans fat levels by 40% in the the first week of 2021 and a further 33% reduction in 2022.

Trans Fat Consumption

Trans fats have no known health benefits. It is advised to keep trans fat consumption as low as possible or preferably at zero.