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The Big Apple May Be Eating More Apples...
by: AndreaDow
Total views: 954
Word Count: 454
October 15th, 2006
Hopefully by now, you know that trans fats (partially hyrdrogenated oils) are harmful and not helpful fats. They adversely affect cholesterol by raising LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower HDL (good cholesterol). Trans fats also increase inflammatory factors that contribute to heart disesase and diabetes. Health care costs have undoubtedly risen with increased usage of trans fats. A bold move by the New York health department proposing a ban on all trans fats (other than trace amounts) in all restaurants (a whopping 24,600) has people talking. Some feel that cutting trans fats would not only be costly to restaurants but also infringe on the public's right to choose. Trans fats show up in items like french fries, donuts, baked goods, pie crusts and other fried foods. Restaurant cooks could face tossing old recipes and scrutinizing their ingredients to avoid using any trans fats. Consumers should be able to make their own decisions and every buyer must beware of unhealthy food preparation. Others are in full support of the proposed ban as it would help prevent diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Trans fats could be replaced with other oils that are just as tasty without all the harmful side effects. Wendy's is cooking with trans fat oil, Crisco makes a trans fat free shortening and Frito Lay and Kraft are both making popular items like Dorritos and Oreos without trans fats.
Dr. Walter Willett, chairman of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard University School of Public Health praised city officials for saving lives with the prososed ban.
"Artificial trans fats are very toxic, and they almost surely causes tens of thousands of premature deaths each year," he said. "The federal government should have done this long ago."
The good news is that regardless of the ban approval, the public is being made well aware of the dangers o these fats. I do hope the ban gets approved and consumer's lives are saved.
If you have not already, go through your cabinets at home and get rid of products containing artificial trans fats in margarine, crackers, baked goods, cereals, breads and more. Do not worry about the naturally occuring trans fats found in some animal and dairy products.
Who knows, New York may be smoke free and trans fat free by July 1, 2007. Now....if only all major cities could do the same!
Rating: 5.00
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