We don’t need trans fats in our diets! In November last year the FDA Targeted Trans Fat in Processed Foods.
Mical E. Honigfort, a consumer safety officer at FDA, says that trans fat can still be found in such processed foods as:
- crackers, cookies, cakes, frozen pies and other baked goods
- snack foods (such as microwave popcorn)
- frozen pizza
- vegetable shortenings and stick margarines
- coffee creamers
- refrigerated dough products (such as biscuits and cinnamon rolls)
- ready-to-use frostings
Partially hydrogenated oils are the major dietary source of trans fat in processed food. The FDA is in the process of determining if trans fats are GRAS, in other words “generally recognized as safe.” Trans fats, produced by industrial processes, are unrecognizable to the body and inherently unhealthful and I believe we have enough information to show they are not GRAS.
One of the many detrimental health effects of trans fats is that they contribute to mental health problems. I have my clients avoid them at all costs and educate them on the incredible mood benefits of eating only real whole foods.
A 2011 study called “Dietary Fat Intake and the Risk of Depression” looking at the diets of 12,059 Spanish university graduates found that consumption of trans fats were linked to an increased risk of depression. The authors state this: “These findings suggest that cardiovascular disease and depression may share some common nutritional determinants related to subtypes of fat intake.”
A more recent 2013 animal study in Neuroscience found that “chronic consumption of trans fats can enhance emotionality and anxiety parameters resulting from stressful situations of everyday life, which can trigger more severe neuropsychiatric conditions.”
If you recall, trans fats get mentioned in a recent blog post where I reviewed Dr Masley’s new book “The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up”. They are one of the worst culprits for heart disease (together with sugar and carbs).
And my colleague Mira Dessy shares that trans fats lower cognitive performance scores as well as lower brain volume
So ditch those trans fats and eat real whole food to feel calm, happy, smart and live healthy!
WOw they really are in so may foods – even more reason to keep eating real, whole foods!
I have often wondered if children in school would be more alert and learn better if they ate pure food. After reading this, I think yes!
Yes Sue, this is one factor that could affect learning. Other big factors are gluten and not having protein at breakfast.
Yikes! I’m having flashbacks to grade school when my best friend Sharon and I used to walk to the market and buy a tub of cake frosting and eat it. Since working with you over 3 years ago, I’m proud that I don’t consume any of those things on your list 🙂
That is too funny Jessica! I grew up in South Africa and we didn’t have tubs of cake frosting. I remember being amazed when we arrived in the US 20 years ago!
I’m proud of you for all the changes you’ve made!
Trudy
Thanks for the eye opener! I will check my labels on crackers and other snack foods more carefully.
Good stuff Mary Ellen! But do see my response to Tiffany – labels can be misleading i.e. you can be consuming trans fats and not know it.
This is such an important issue. Many people do not realize the very small amounts of trans-fats it takes to have an impact on overall health. For a 2,000 calorie per day diet as little as 2 g can have a negative effect on cardiac health, brain health and overall body status. For those who eat less than 2,000 calories per day, the “threshold” amount is less.
I truly hope that this group of fats is completely banned in our food supply and removed as quickly as possible.
Mira – yes, quite shocking isn’t it!? I truly hope this group of junk-fats are also completely banned too
I agree! Trans fats are definitely not safe and because of existing labeling laws people are actually consuming way more of them then they think.
Tiffany
Yes, this is certainly another factor that should be considered. But if you eat real whole foods that don’t have labels this won’t be an issue!
If you do, this is important information to be aware of
“Current law requires that fat content of greater than five grams be listed in one gram increments, less than five grams be listed in .5 gram increments, and lower than .5 grams as containing zero grams of fat. Meaning, if a product has .49 grams of trans fat, the label can list the trans fat content as zero, thus masking a significant amount of trans fat that can exceed recommended limits and potentially lead to various adverse health effects.” http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110103110325.htm
Trudy
Yet in schools they still promote bake sales, have pizza
parties and offer baked goods at open house nights.
time to change the behavior.
Agreed! When we stick to whole foods, everyone in our family feels better, sleeps better, and focus better, and has more energy!
Real food is the only way to go. I don’t understand the fake creamer at all. I’ve even started using hemp milk and coconut milk in my coffee instead of 1/2 and 1/2
Lisa
I guess this would make cholestrol levels high and risk heart health. My bloods came back high cholestrol and the bad one yet my GP has ignored this and not told me to change diet or anything. What is wrong with doctors today.