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According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Scientific evidence shows that
consumption of saturated fat, trans fat, and dietary cholesterol raises low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad cholesterol," levels, which increases
the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, more than
12.5 million Americans have CHD, and more than 500,000 die each year. That makes CHD one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
The FDA has required that saturated fat and dietary cholesterol be listed
on food labels since 1993. Starting Jan.1, 2006, listing of trans fat will be required as well. With trans fat added to the Nutrition Facts panel,
required by Jan. 1, 2006, you will know for the first time how much of all three--saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol--are in the foods you choose. Identifying saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol on the food
label gives you information you need to make food choices that help reduce the risk of CHD. This revised label will be of particular interest to
people concerned about high blood cholesterol and heart disease.
However, everyone should be aware of the risk posed by consuming too much saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. But what is trans fat, and
how can you limit the amount of this fat in your diet?
What is Trans Fat?
Basically, trans fat is made when manufacturers add hydrogen to
vegetable oil--a process called hydrogenation. Hydrogenation increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods containing these fats.
Trans fat can be found in vegetable shortenings, some margarines,
crackers, cookies, snack foods, and other foods made with or fried in partially hydrogenated oils. Unlike other fats, the majority of trans fat is
formed when food manufacturers turn liquid oils into solid fats like shortening and hard margarine. A small amount of trans fat is found
naturally, primarily in some animal-based foods.
Trans fat, like saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, raises the LDL
cholesterol that increases your risk for CHD. Americans consume on average 4 to 5 times as much saturated fat as trans fat in their diets.
Although saturated fat is the main dietary culprit that raises LDL, trans fat
and dietary cholesterol also contribute significantly.
Are All Fats the Same?
Simply put: No. Fat is a major source of energy for the body and aids in
the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K and carotenoids. Both animal- and plant-derived food products contain fat, and when eaten in
moderation, fat is important for proper growth, development, and maintenance of good health. As a food ingredient, fat provides taste,
consistency, and stability and helps you feel full. In addition, parents should be aware that fats are an especially important source of calories
and nutrients for infants and toddlers (up to 2 years of age), who have the highest energy needs per unit of body weight of any age group.
While unsaturated fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) are
beneficial when consumed in moderation, saturated and trans fats are not. Saturated fat and trans fat raise LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
Dietary cholesterol also contributes to heart disease. Therefore, it is advisable to choose foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol as part of a healthful diet.
What Can You Do About Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, and Cholesterol?
When comparing foods, look at the Nutrition Facts panel, and choose the
food with the lower amounts of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. Health experts recommend that you keep your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol as low as possible while consuming a
nutritionally adequate diet. However, these experts recognize that eliminating these three components entirely from your diet is not practical
because they are unavoidable in ordinary diets.
Where Can You Find Trans Fat on the Food Label?
Beginning in January 2006 food manufacturers must list trans fat on all
their products.
You will find trans fat listed on the Nutrition Facts panel directly under the
line for saturated fat.
FDA Consumer magazine
September-October 2003 Issue
Pub No. FDA05-1329C
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Trans Fat