The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally taken a stand against trans fats, which have been linked to heart disease for many years. The FDA has announced that it will ban trans fats from all processed foods.
This move will be a great step forward in reducing the amount of trans fats in the food that people consume, and it shows that the FDA is taking the health risks of trans fats seriously.
What are Trans Fats?
Trans fats are an artificial type of fat that is created when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil. This process is known as hydrogenation, and it turns liquid oils into solid fats.
Trans fats have been used in processed foods for many years because they increase the shelf life of items like baked goods and fried foods. Trans fats can also give foods a desirable texture and taste.
Why are Trans Fats Bad for Your Health?
Trans fats are bad for your health because they increase LDL cholesterol levels in the body, which is the “bad” type of cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to clogged arteries and heart disease.
Trans fats can also reduce the levels of HDL cholesterol in the body, which is the “good” type of cholesterol that helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
When Will the Ban Take Effect?
The ban on trans fats will take effect in June 2018. The FDA has given processed food manufacturers three years to remove trans fats from their products.
This timeframe should be enough to allow them to reformulate their products and find alternatives to trans fats. Manufacturers will need to use healthier oils like canola, sunflower, and safflower oil instead of partially hydrogenated oils.
What Foods Will be Affected by the Ban?
The ban will affect all processed foods that contain trans fats. This includes items like baked goods, fried foods, frozen foods, and packaged snacks.
Some of the most commonly consumed foods that contain trans fats include margarine, shortening, and processed foods like donuts and pastries. The ban will not affect naturally occurring trans fats that are found in small amounts in some animal products like meat and dairy.
What Impact Will the Ban have on Public Health?
The ban on trans fats should have a positive impact on public health. It is estimated that the ban could prevent thousands of heart attacks and deaths from heart disease each year.
By removing trans fats from processed foods, people will be able to make healthier choices when it comes to what they eat. This could lead to a decrease in the number of people with high cholesterol levels and a reduction in the rates of heart disease.
What can Consumers Do to Avoid Trans Fats?
Consumers can avoid trans fats by reading the labels of processed foods carefully. Look for products that contain zero trans fats or that use healthier oils like canola oil.
When eating out, choose dishes that are cooked without trans fats, such as grilled or baked foods. It is also important to limit your intake of processed foods in general, as they tend to be high in fat, salt, and sugar.
What Else is Being Done to Promote Healthy Eating?
There are many other initiatives underway to promote healthy eating in the United States. The federal government has launched the Let’s Move campaign, which encourages children to be more active and eat healthier foods.
Many schools have implemented nutrition standards for meals and snacks served on campus. Local governments are also stepping up to the plate, with initiatives like New York City’s calorie labeling law and Philadelphia’s sugar-sweetened beverage tax.
Conclusion
The ban on trans fats is a step in the right direction for public health. By removing trans fats from processed foods, we can reduce the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
Consumers can help by making informed choices about what they eat and by advocating for healthier options in their communities. With a little effort, we can all enjoy healthier lives.