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Especially there are two types of fats:
A) Monounsaturated
B) Polyunsaturated
Both serve as energy sources and are as much helpful in absorption of vitamins and nutrients.
They are also important for building cell membranes. Trans fat or trans fatty acid (TFA) comes under the category of harmful fats.
Numerous products in the market contain small amounts of trans fat to enhance their shelf life.
If consumption of trans fat is beyond limit it has a direct impact on heart health and overall well-being.
To prioritize the health of the US public, the government took the decision in 2020 to ban products that have high levels of saturated trans fat.Table of Contents
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| Trans Fat |
Let’s understand :-
What is trans fat?
Which fatty acids are good for health?
How does trans fat affect human health?
Food items with higher trans fat we should avoid.
What is trans fat?
Trans fat is a dietary fat and it has two types.
a) Naturally occurring fat.
b) Artificial fats.
Red meat and dairy products are the source of naturally occurring fats. And Hydrogenation is a process run in the industries for the occurrence of artificial fats.
This involves adding hydrogen compounds to liquid vegetable oils, resulting in a denser and more solid form of fat.
The purpose of creating artificial trans fats is to increase the shelf life of products.
They are cheap as compared to edible oils and hence widely used in street foods and junk foods.
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| Food item with trans fat |
Which fatty acids are good for health?
Fatty acids such as Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9, are beneficial for overall health and known as Mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acids.
These important fatty acids are helpful for performing various functions in the human body such as regulating cholesterol levels and maintaining cell membrane integrity.
It is advisable to consume unsaturated fats in moderation because it is well known that unsaturated fatty acids offer more health benefits than saturated fatty acids.
Healthy fatty acids found in dairy products, Nuts and seeds, and plant based oils.
How does trans fat affect human health?
Heart attacks, strokes, blockage of veins and arteries are the issues caused when consumption of trans fats exceeds over limit, over consumption of trans fat can also lead to chronic diseases and cardiovascular issues.
Trans fats increase the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and lowers good cholesterol (HDL) in the body which can lead to serious issues in the body.
Prior to 2006, trans fat was extensively used in numerous food establishments, bakeries, and industries for cooking purposes. However, due to a significant rise in the number of premature heart disease cases, the government took action by implementing mandatory food labeling.
This creativity has the goal to help consumers to understand the presence of Trans fat in food products and it makes consumers make healthy choices.
Currently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced amendments that limit the use of trans fats to 5% of the total fat content in food items. This regulatory measure ensures a reduced presence of trans fats, mitigating their harmful effects on health.
Amendments have been made to limit the use of Trans fat in the food products upto 5% it is said by (FSSAI) Food safety and standards authority of India.
Moreover, the threat of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes increases because of blockages in arteries and veins and the ultimate reason for it is trans-fat.
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| No Trans Fat |
Food items with higher trans fat we should avoid.
Trans fat can be found in various baked products such as cookies, biscuits, and cakes. It is a universal cheap content in the food culture.
It is also present in certain sweets produced by industrial manufacturers and large-scale shops, as they use trans fat to achieve a desirable texture and irresistible taste.
Traditional Indian sweets like Gulabjamun, Bundi, Laddo, Burfi, and others made by commercial establishments may contain trans fats.
In addition, trans fats can be found in fried and junk foods, particularly in street food where the oil used for frying is repeatedly reheated.
This practice is commonly observed in street food stalls and restaurants, increasing the likelihood of trans fat being present in such food items.
Particularly trans fat found in items such as:
Baked products: such as cookies, biscuits, crackers, and cakes.
Fried foods: particularly those found in street food and junk food, made with the repeated reheating of oil, are not advisable.
Oils: It is important to avoid hydrogenated edible oils, as they can have negative effects on health.
Frozen food: items like frozen pizza and frozen cakes often contain high levels of trans fats, which are added to prolong their shelf life.
Adding to it, these food items have more amounts of refined sugar which makes it more harmful to humans health.
Tip: Remember to always check the labels on packaged foods to determine the quantity of trans fat present and make a mindful and health-conscious choice.
In the bottom line:
Trans fat is extremely harmful to human health, and also it is connected with chronic diseases, heart attacks, and strokes when consumed extremely.
Consequently, many countries have implemented mandatory limitations on the use of trans fats in food products to safeguard public health.
Therefore, it is essential to prioritize our well-being by consistently checking food labels and making healthy choices when it comes to our diet, aiming for improved overall health.
