Trans fats have been demonised by the medical and health fields, cited as a contributing factor to diet related illnesses such as obesity and heart disease. Now tougher restrictions are being put in place by the US Government in an effort to improve health and wellness. Mashable published the Associated Press article on June the 16th, 2015:
“The Obama administration is cracking down on artificial trans fats, calling them a threat to public health.” [1]
But the crackdown won’t enforce an immediate ban; rather, the United States Food and Drug Administration wants to see a gradual reduction in the use of trans fats over a period of time:
“The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that it will require food companies to phase out the use of artificial trans fats almost entirely. Consumers aren’t likely to notice much of a difference in their favorite foods, but the administration says the move will to reduce coronary heart disease and prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks every year.” [1]
The benefits come after science has concluded that trans fats are dangerous for us and completely un-necessary in our diets:
“Scientists say there are no health benefits to trans fats, which are used in processing food and in restaurants, usually to improve texture, shelf life or flavor. They can raise levels of “bad” cholesterol and lower “good” cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease…” [1]
With health awareness growing, many people have been edging towards healthier options. Consumer preference has seen many companies already make the shift away from trans fats to creating trans fat free products. In a nine year period, the consumption of trans fats reduced dramatically:
“The FDA says that between 2003 and 2012, consumer trans fat consumption decreased an estimated 78 percent as food companies have used other kinds of oils to replace them” [1]
Will this strong move be emulated by Australian regulatory authorities? Only time will tell. Until then it is wise to stick away from processed foods, opting instead for plant-based, whole food nutrition.
