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Cookies,pies, crackers, chips,french fries… Sound delicious, right?
But think again before reaching for your next serving.
They all contain trans fat, which is notorious for clogging arteries and causing heart disease.
The recommended consumption of trans fat is less than 1 percent of total energy intake which is less than 2.2gram per day for a 2000-calorie diet.
There are 2 types of trans fats:
1.Industrially produced trans fat -found in margarine, vegetable shortening,vanaspati ghee fried foods and baked goods.
2.Naturally occurring trans fats – found in meat and dairy foods from ruminant animals( eg cows, goats,sheep)
Both industrially produced and naturally occurring trans fat are equally harmful.
Use of trans fats increased dramatically in recent years because they tend to be cheaper and have several chemicals and physical characteristics that make them suitable for a variety of processed food products.
Although the primary responsibility to protect people from industrially produced trans fat rests with the governments, here’s what you can do;
Avoid PHO found in fried and baked foods(If it is labelled on the food product)
Reduce the amount of meat and dairy foods from ruminant animals (eg,cows, sheep, goats)
Here are tips to reduce trans fat intake ;Read nutritional labels- look for ”0 grams trans fat” on labels, choose healthier fars found in food like avocado,nuts and olive oil, limit processed foods and cook at home.
NOTE:Trans fat has no known health benefits to date.
By being mindful of trans fat sources and making informed dietary choices, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease and other related health issues.
