The type of fat that is often illegal or heavily regulated is artificial trans fat.
Why are Trans Fats Regulated?
Trans fats, particularly artificial trans fats, are considered detrimental to health for several key reasons:
- Increased LDL Cholesterol: Trans fats raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often called "bad" cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Decreased HDL Cholesterol: Trans fats also lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often called "good" cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries.
- Increased Risk of Heart Disease: Due to their effects on cholesterol levels, trans fats significantly increase the risk of developing heart disease, a leading cause of death worldwide.
Legality and Regulations:
Several countries and cities have taken action to limit or ban the use of trans fats in food products:
- United States: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken steps to eliminate artificial trans fats from the food supply. Food manufacturers were prohibited from adding artificial trans fats to foods and beverages.
- Other Countries: Numerous other countries have also implemented regulations to limit or ban trans fats, including Denmark, Canada, and several European Union members.
Types of Trans Fats:
It's important to distinguish between natural and artificial trans fats:
- Artificial Trans Fats: These are created through an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid. They are primarily found in processed foods like fried foods, baked goods, and shortening. These are the trans fats that are typically regulated or banned.
- Natural Trans Fats: These occur naturally in small amounts in some animal products, such as beef and dairy. They are not considered as harmful as artificial trans fats.
Identifying Trans Fats in Foods:
Consumers can check food labels to identify trans fats. Look for "partially hydrogenated oil" in the ingredient list, as this is a common source of artificial trans fats. Keep in mind that even if the nutrition facts label indicates "0 grams of trans fat," the product may still contain a small amount (less than 0.5 grams per serving).
