The FDA recently ordered a ban on trans fats because they are “generally not recognized as safe.” It’s been a long time coming considering that they cause what the Mayo Clinic calls “a cholesterol double whammy,” raising LDL or bad cholesterol and lowering HDL or good cholesterol. But even with the ban, it’s important to understand that the foods that contain trans fat are still for the most part, unhealthy.
“It’s important to remember that just because processed foods will no longer have trans fats, doesn’t necessarily make those foods healthy,” Ursula Ridens, a registered dietitian who is affiliated with Sharp Grossmont Hospital said to The San Diego Union-Tribune. “They could still be high in saturated fat, sodium, or sugar. It’s all about balance and choosing processed foods less often.”
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Trans fats are often found in baked goods, chips, microwave popcorn, doughnuts, fried chicken, refrigerated dough, creamer, and margarine. While some meat and dairy naturally contain trans fats, the majority of it is made through an industrial process that adds hydrogen to vegetable oil, causing it to become a solid at room temperature. The fats were added to processed foods because they’re inexpensive and increase the shelf life of foods. But now food companies are transitioning out of using trans fats because of health concerns.
Though junk food will be slightly better because it doesn’t contain the fats, it still contains saturated fats, found in meat, poultry, dairy, butter, and cream. Saturated fats raise the cholesterol level in your blood and foods that are high in saturated fats are usually high in calories as well. It’s not that all fats are bad news. Good fats — found in olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, and peanut butter — are good for heart health and when they replace excessive carbohydrates for calories, they increase insulin sensitivity.
Processed foods also commonly contain too much sodium, which is problematic because sodium can increase blood pressure in some people, putting extra burden on the heart. Not to mention all the sugar, which can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
The bottom line is that saying goodbye to trans fat is a good thing, but it’s in no way an invitation to eat fast food or junk food.
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