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| The Skinny On Trans Fats |
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Studies have shown that the use of trans fats increases risk of coronary disease, raises levels of "LDL" (so-called 'bad' cholesterol), and may place consumers at risk for cancer, diabetes and infertility.
Last year, the federal government required grocers to amend food labels to show the amount of trans fats in packaged foods. Manufacturers began a flurry of research to create baked goods and snack foods that tasted good without the use of the unhealthy oils. The results have been mixed, according to nutritionists.
A recent study conducted in Malaysia and at Brandeis University shows that the use of saturated fats to replace trans fats may raise glucose levels and depress insulin production, a trend which can lead to diabetes. The bottom line? While trans fats are considered somewhat harmful, swapping saturated fats may be just as unhealthy.
For example, Entenmann's frosted chocolate doughnuts now contain "0 Grams of Trans Fats." A quick glance at the label, however, shows that each doughnut - made with palm kernel oil - contains 16 grams of saturated fat, or about 80 percent of the recommended daily intake for most adults.
According to the American Heart Association, only about 7 percent of total daily calories should come from saturated fat; trans fat should make up only about 1 percent. To help consumers monitor their fat intake, the heart association has set up an online calculator at their website, http://www.americanheart.org.
Home cooks can also substitute ingredients such as unsweetened applesauce or pureed bananas for most of the fat in recipes for baked goods. And a new, non-caloric gel made from corn fiber, Z Trim, is now being marketed as a healthy aid in controlling fat intake, according to the manufacturer, Fibergel (http://ztrim.com.)
So before grabbing that package of "No Trans Fats" Oreos, read the label - and be aware that calories and fat - no matter what the source -still count.
About The Author: Claire Bush is a freelance writer and author of "Dining in Arizona - 101 Great Places to Eat." She is a working chef in Sun City, Arizona. Reach her at claireeileen@aol.com.
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