Sorry for not posting my article last week. I’ve been having problems with my internet after the high winds. Simply put, there was no internet connection for several days. I’m back now and am busy, busy trying to catch up.
Dear Donndez – I am really confused about trans fats. Why is it so bad? -- Dorothy M., Placitas
Dear Dorothy – I understand; all the technical information be confusing. Basically, the process used in making vegetable oil makes fats less likely to spoil, so foods stay fresh longer and also have a less greasy feel. Trans fats are profitable for food manufacturers but have been linked to:
- Cancer: They interfere with enzymes used to fight cancer.
- Diabetes: They interfere with the insulin receptors in cell membranes.
- They reducing immune response.
- Problems with reproduction by interfering with enzymes needed to produce sex hormones.
- Obesity
- Heart disease by clogging arteries.
- Linked to an increase in asthma.
Trans fats are found in fried foods as well as cookies, pastries and crackers. Here are some average trans fats statistics:
- French fries typically contain about 40%
- Popular cookies and crackers range from 30-50%
- Doughnuts have about 35-40% trans fatty acids.
Per FDA regulations, a “healthy” product may contain up to 0.5 grams trans fat (called hydrogenated oil) per serving.
Manufacturers have been replacing trans fats with “intersterified fat,” another unnatural fat, which makes foods less likely to go rancid and is stable enough to fry foods. However, intersterified fat contains chemical residues, hexanes, and other hazardous waste products full of free radicals that cause cell damage. Studies show that interesterified fat raises blood glucose and depresses insulin production, common to diabetes, and can present an immediate danger if you already have the disease.
To avoid dangerous fats of all kinds, eliminate processed foods from your diet. These simple tips ensure that you’re eating the right fats:
- Use organic butter (preferably made from raw milk) instead of margarines and vegetable oil spreads. Butter is a healthy whole food that has received an unwarranted bad rap.
- Use coconut oil, or at least olive oil for cooking. Coconut oil is far superior to any other cooking oil and is loaded with health benefits.
- To round out your healthy fat intake, be sure to eat raw fats, such as those from avocados, raw dairy products, and olive oil, and also take a high-quality source of animal-based omega-3 fat, such as krill oil.
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