Trans fat is the worst kind of fat you can consume. This is a fat that raises HDL and lowers LDL cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease. Why in the world are we consuming it?! Well, there’s good news. The FDA just announced a 2018 deadline for the food industry to eliminate trans fats! (applause) This is a huge step in making our food supply healthier. That being said, 2018 is still 3 years away. So, in the meantime, here are some tips to avoid trans fat and where trans fat may currently be lurking in your food…
One of the easiest ways to see if a food contains trans fat is to look at the ingredient label. If you see hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oil, steer clear! Those are sneaky terms for trans fat. Another labeling issue that you should be aware of: if a food contains less than 0.5 grams of trans fat, it does not have to be listed on the label! That means, they can legally claim that it has 0 trans fat, so you can’t always trust those little “No Trans Fat” bursts on the front of packages. This is why it is SO important to read ingredient lists. Know what is in your food and what you’re putting into your body. Some of the most common foods where trans fat can currently be found are in frostings, packaged baked goods, frozen pizzas, microwave popcorn, margarine, and coffee creamers.
For more information on the FDA’s deadline for removing trans fats, read the article here.
Nourished. by Jenna 