Last month the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to ban trans fat from the American diet1. So what exactly is trans fat? It is a bad type of fat mainly found in processed foods such as baked goods, fried foods, and various snack foods. Trans fat is considered bad because it can increase the risk of heart disease. Specifically, trans fat can increase LDL “bad” cholesterol while also decreasing HDL “good” cholesterol. All individuals should aim to eliminate trans fat as much as possible from their diet.
Currently, trans fat is shown on the Nutrition Facts Label, but can often be misleading. For example, the grams of trans fat could be “0” on the label, but this may not be completely true. It is especially important to read the label to avoid “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated oil” in the ingredient list. If you see either of these phrases, it means the product is not truly trans fat free and another food without either of these ingredients should be chosen.
Until the ban on trans fat is put into effect three years from now, consumers need to be educated and proactive about reading labels to avoid trans fat. It will be up to the food manufacturing companies to eliminate the sources of trans fat from their products. Eliminating trans fat is a step in the right direction for the health of America.
- S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Cuts Trans Fat in Processed Foods. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm372915.htm. Accessed June 23, 2015
About the Author: Julia Bleecker, MS, RD, LD
Julia joined AbsoluteCARE Medical Center and Pharmacy in September 2012. Julia received her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Georgia where she also served as the dietitian’s assistant for The University of Georgia Food Service Program. She completed her dietetic internship while earning her Master’s Degree in Nutrition from Georgia State University (GSU). During that time, Julia had opportunities to intern at Grady Memorial Hospital, The Marcus Institute, and Piedmont Hospital. In addition, Julia served on the marketing committee in the development of a community garden on campus at GSU.
Julia is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Georgia Dietetic Association. She counsels patients on various topics such as diabetes, weight management, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Julia also enjoys providing grocery store tours to patients to show that eating healthy can be easy and inexpensive. Outside of work, Julia enjoys cooking, UGA football, and spending time with friends and family.
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