There should be a warning label on products with trans fat that states:
The consumption of trans fat increases the risk of coronary heart disease.
The Trans Fat Lie
It has been identified that trans fat consumption causes an elevated risk of coronary heart disease and is a known killer. That is the reason it is being taken out of our food supply.
However, here's what you need to know. If a product proclaims that it has zero trans fat, be sure to read the ingredients. I have found that most products that make that claim, in fact, have trans fat in it. Here's what you want to look for on the ingredients label: Partially Hydrogenated. If you see those words, you know there's trans fat in that product. You might be wondering: How do they get away with that? Here's the scoop: If the product has .49 grams or less of trans fat per serving, they are allowed to state zero. Recently, I have noticed front of package claims that state: 0 trans fat per serving. Of course, the average person would assume no trans fat. Bad assumption. Read the ingredients to be certain that the claim is accurate. If it has trans fat, my recommendation: Put the product back on the shelf. Why?
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If you'd like to hear an interview with a nutrition and health expert, listen to this interview about trans fats with Walter Willett (Chair of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health).
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Two Examples of Many
This muffin example is my "favorite" demonstration of the trans fat lie. While it's difficult to read in the photo (left) below, it states: "No Trans Fats". Now read the Nutrition Facts label: It states: "Not a significant source of Trans Fat." Yes, there are trans fats in these mammoth muffins. The ingredients state: "Partially hydrogenated ...". Those are the key buzz words that identify trans fats.
As far as the statement not significant, since trans fats are a known killer, to me, any amount is significant.
As an aside, these four muffins are labeled 11 servings. So, the amount per serving section must be multiplied by 2.75 to identify the real Nutrition Facts for each muffin. For example, each muffin has 495 calories (not 180)!
As far as the statement not significant, since trans fats are a known killer, to me, any amount is significant.
As an aside, these four muffins are labeled 11 servings. So, the amount per serving section must be multiplied by 2.75 to identify the real Nutrition Facts for each muffin. For example, each muffin has 495 calories (not 180)!