On November 7, the FDA announced that partially hydrogenated oils, which are responsible for trans fats, are not safe as a food product. After a 60-day comment period, it seems likely that makers of processed foods will be required to eliminate the use of all trans fats by a certain date.
The danger of these artificial products, which are often used to make processed foods last longer, is that not only do they raise your LDL levels – or bad cholesterol – but they also lower the HDL – the body's good cholesterol. Researchers have found that aside from having absolutely no nutritional value, trans fats – due to their effects on cholesterol – can cause the build up of plaque in the arteries, leading to coronary heart disease, blood clots, heart attack and other very serious cardiovascular issues.
Thankfully, trans fats have become minimized in American diets over the years as awareness of their dangers has grown. Trans fats information was required in 2006 to be on all food labels. The FDA reports that the average American's consumption of trans fats per day has decreased from 4.6 grams in 2003 to 1 gram in 2012.
Still, food producers often switch from trans fats to saturated fats, like palm kernel, palm and coconut oils, which are not considered healthy but rather a lesser evil than saturated fats. On the other hand, monounsaturated fats, which are found in peanut, olive and canola oils, are healthier options.
It's important to read the nutrition label on any foods that you buy. Here are the processed foods in which you will often find trans fats – at least for the time being:
- Frozen pizzas
- Microwave popcorn
- Processed desserts
- Crackers
- Coffee creamer
- Margarine
