We have been hearing a lot lately about Trans-Fat. What are they? What do they do? How do they effect our body? Here are answers to some questions that many people have concerning Trans fats.
What are "Trans-Fats"?
Trans-Fats is short for Trans Fatty Acids. Trans Fats are partially hydrogenated vegetable oil; we've all eaten them, before now, without even knowing it. Trans Fatty Acids add desirable effects to food. They make peanut butter creamier and extend the shelf life of packaged products. You will likely find Trans-Fats in packaged snacks: cookies, cakes, crackers, as well as in a stick of margarine.
What are the Effects of Trans-Fats on the Body?
Trans Fats raise levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDLs) that can clog arteries, while it takes away "good" cholesterol (HDLs) that keep arteries clean. They are guilty of increasing the risk of coronary heart disease, and some scientists even believe it can also "reprogram" how cells work, causing damage that can lead to diabetes and stroke.
How do You Know if There are Trans-Fats In Your Food Products and How Much?
The amount of Trans Fats in food products will appear on the nutrition label immediately following saturated fats. Many food labels are starting to list Trans Fats on the nutrition label, but some products still do not. That will soon change. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required all manufacturers to list Trans Fats on their nutrition labels by January 2006. Until then look for ingredients such as: hydrogenated oil or vegetable oil, partially hydrogenated oil, hardened oil or vegetable shortening. Remember, the higher the ingredient is on the list of ingredients the more there is in the food.
| Cheeses, Fruits, Nuts, Yogurt | ||
| Chips: | /td> | Terra chips - only the Red Bliss Terra. |
| Pretzels: | /td> | Rold Gold is okay. |
| Crackers: | /td> | Heavy grained crackers such as: Ryvita Sesame, Wasa, Akmak, Finn Crisp, Lavasch, & Fortt's Bath Oliver Crackers. Distributed by Carr's crackers. |
| Popcorn: | /td> | Fresh popped popcorn, (not microwave). |
| Hot chocolate: | /td> | Ovaltine and Ghirardelli and Swiss Miss fat-free hot chocolate. Hershey fat-free chocolate milk. |
| Pudding: | /td> | Instant Jell-O Pudding is okay. |
| Chocolate: | /td> | Hershey regular & almond kisses, M&M's, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Peppermint Bites, and candy bars as long as it is dark chocolate. |
| Cookies: | /td> | Homemade TollHouse cookies, Walkers Shortbread, Destrooper Almond Thin Cookies, Stela D'ora Almond Toast. |
| Ice Cream Bars: | /td> | Dove Bars, Haagan Dazs, Eskimo Pies. |
| Cereal: | /td> | Oatmeal (including Quaker Instant), Special K, Grapenuts, Shredded Wheat, Puffed Rice & Wheat, Raisin Bran Total. |
| Peanut Butter: | /td> | Arrowhead Mills, Teddie, Smuckers, Maple Grove Farms. Breads: |
| Breads: | /td> | Ecce Pams Breads and Two corn bread mixes: Hodgson Mills Cornbread & Muffin Mix, Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix. |
| Baby Foods: | /td> | Gerber LiL' Entrees. |
| Salad Dressings and Oils: | /td> | Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Pam Olive Oil Cooking Spray, Planter's Peanut Oil, Hollywood Peanut Oil, Loriva Oil. |
| Butters: | /td> | Brumble & Brumble. |
| Coming Soon: | /td> | Trans Fat Free Goldfish, Oreos, Cheetos, Tostitos, and Doritos |
Written by: Nicole Hinkley
