Trans fat is a type of fat that is commonly found in processed food. It is created when liquid vegetable oils are partially hydrogenated to make them solid at room temperature.
For many years, trans fat was a popular ingredient in processed food because it increased shelf life and improved the taste and texture of food. However, research has shown that trans fat is extremely unhealthy and can lead to a variety of health problems.
What are the Health Risks of Trans Fat?
Trans fat has been linked to several health problems, including:
- Increase in bad cholesterol levels
- Decrease in good cholesterol levels
- Increase in the risk of heart disease
- Increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Increase in the risk of stroke
These health risks are why many countries have taken steps to limit or ban the use of trans fat in food products.
Is Trans Fat Illegal in the United States?
In 2015, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary dietary source of trans fat, were no longer "generally recognized as safe" for use in food.
This decision effectively banned the use of PHOs in the United States, although small amounts of trans fat are still allowed in certain food products.
Are Other Countries Banning Trans Fat?
Many other countries have also taken steps to limit or ban the use of trans fat in food products.
Denmark was the first country to ban trans fat in 2004, and several other countries have followed suit, including Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary.
In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a campaign to eliminate trans fat from the global food supply by 2023.
Conclusion
Trans fat is a type of fat that is extremely unhealthy and has been linked to several health problems. Many countries, including the United States, have taken steps to limit or ban the use of trans fat in food products. If you want to stay healthy, it is best to avoid processed foods that contain trans fat.