The Really Bad Fats:

Trans Fatty Acids & Their Cousins Hydrogenated Oils

What are TFA’s?

     Trans fatty acids (TFA’s) are a dense form of fat.  Naturally occurring TFA’s are found in small amounts in beef, pork, lamb, and dairy.  However, the vast majority of TFA’s in our diet are artificially created by the food industry, when hydrogen is forced into vegetable oils under high heat and pressure.

 Why should I care about trans fatty acids?

Because the FDA has declared that there is NO SAFE LEVEL OF CONSUMPTION for TFA’s, and they are found in 70% of the foods we eat every day!

So why are TFA’s so bad?

     As it turns out, TFA’s actually raise LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower HDL (good cholesterol)!  Even worse, our bodies incorporate these artificial fats into our cellular structure. Like a cracked brick in a wall, they make us susceptible to attack by invaders like viruses and cancer.  TFA’s can even destroy the essential fatty acids that are necessary for good health!

How can I avoid TFA’s?

     Eat your vegetables, Heart-Thrives, and Suncakes!  They are trans fat-free.  Otherwise, read your food labels.  Check for the words “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated.”  Some cookies and donuts may contain up to 50% TFA’s—that’s 15-30 times more than if they had used butter!  Avoid food fried in vegetable oil-- from French fries to chicken--because the vegetable oil used for frying is often the hydrogenated kind.

If  TFA’s are so dangerous, why aren’t they listed on food labels?

     Just this year the FDA formalized mandatory TFA listing on nutritional facts labels, effective in 2006.  Healthy choices will become even easier to identify.

Why do some food companies use hydrogenated oils?

     Hydrogenation extends shelf life, it’s an oil preservative that keeps that bag of chips “fresh” for years. Like butter or lard, hydrogenated oils (think stick margarine) are solid at room temperature. But unlike animal fats, they contain no cholesterol, so even high-fat snacks can claim to be “cholesterol-free.” 

I already eat a low-fat diet, so I don’t have to worry about hydrogenated oils and trans fatty acids.  True or False?

     False.  TFA’s from hydrogenated oils are in lots of low-fat foods, like breads, crackers, and soups!