Recently, the FDA made an executive
decision to remove artificial trans fats from food and deeming them “no longer
generally recognized as safe.” The
effects of trans fats are not new to the health world. Back in January of 2006, the FDA required
trans fat to be listed on the Nutrition Facts label. This type of fat may increase LDL (bad)
cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol and may also increase
cardiovascular disease risk.
Many manufacturers will need to
reformulate foods as many of America’s favorite processed foods contain
artificial trans fats, the most prominent being partially hydrogenated
oils. These oils have been used to
increase “shelf-life and flavor stability” since the 1950s. Stick margarines, snack foods, baked goods,
and coffee creamers are just a few of the items containing partially
hydrogenated oils.
The FDA’s goal is to reduce the
incidences of fatal heart attacks and coronary heart disease. Hopefully, in the near future, we will see
people realize just how big of a role nutrition plays in prevention of chronic
disease.
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