Why should you avoid Trans-fat?

Trans - Fat is a fat that is found in large amounts in foods that are industrially processed to hydrogenate unsaturated fats. They are also found naturally in small amounts in meat and dairy.

Naturally occurring fats are a combination of mono-unsaturated, Poly-unsaturated and saturated fats. Trans fats have one or more double bonds in a trans configuration that is favored in foods like Margarine, Vanaspati ( An Indian variety), that offer more firmness, stability and shelf life to the product. The major sources of trans fats are cookies, popcorn, crackers, cakes, fast foods, spreads like margarine, Breakfast cereal, candy bars, and potato chips.

Many Indian sweets like Jalebi, Gulab- Jamun, Halwa, Pinni, Butter /Sweet Biscuits, Barfi made with ghee, sugar and fried flour are a source of Trans- fat. Trans- fats are increased when oil which is heated to very high temperatures and is repeatedly heated and re-used .Trans- fats are harmful in many ways, we will explore these effects as follows:

• Trans- fat adversely increases Cholesterol, by increasing Bad Cholesterol (LDL) and decreasing Good Cholesterol( HDL)

• Trans- fat may adversely increase the risk of cancers of the Breast and Colon

• Trans-fat may increase the risk of Cardiovascular disease by its negative effect on cholesterol levels and by increasing the risk of Obesity and Diabetes

• Trans-fat may interfere with the metabolism of essential fatty acids which are crucial for neurological development, vision and various mechanisms of the body. This may adversely affect infants of mothers who breastfeed and consume processed foods that are rich in trans-fat.

• In diabetic patients trans fat may increase the level of insulin resistance and decrease insulin sensitivity and thereby negatively affect glucose metabolism

• Trans -fat in processed foods, increase the risk of obesity and visceral fat deposits. These fat deposits release chemicals that can negatively affect health in many ways.

• There may be a correlation between the intake of trans-fat and the occurrence of allergies, asthma and eczema.

This discussion is meant to enlighten the reader that man made changes to food have negatively impacted the consumer. Colorful packaging, creative flavoring/ taste, and convenience of shelf life are not the only reason to consume foods. These foods have longranging deleterious side effects. As always be well informed, choose wisely and live long and strong!