Trans fats still a risk for coronary heart disease

Despite the recommendation of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) that trans fats should be banned, in line with current legislation in Denmark and New York City, the Government has today announced that it will neither ban the fats nor advise manufacturers to flag them up on food lables .

Trans fats are hydrogenated oils that remain solid at room temperature. They are harmful and have no nutritional benefits and, as they cannot be broken down in the digestive system, they accumulate and clog up arteries. Evidence is mounting that trans fats are implicated in cancer, multiple sclerosis, stroke, obesity and heart disease. They are found in many products, including deep fried foods, baked goods, ice creams, biscuits, snack bars and ready meals; cheap foods are more likely to contain trans fats as they are so convenient for manufacturers to use. Although Tesco and Sainsbury have stated that they will not use trans fats in their own brands, other convenience foods within the stores may be loaded with them.

Avoiding trans fats is not as simple as avoiding cigarettes or alcohol as consumers may find it difficult to know which foods contain them. The labels will not list ‘trans fats’ in the ingredients, but will list hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. As these foods are found in many foods marketed for children it may be particularly difficult for parents of young children to identify the offending fats and protect their families; shopping with small children is difficult at the best of times and searching through ingredients may not be an option.

As the Government appear to be unwilling to support consumers to improve their health, it is important for people to educate themselves about which foods are safe to eat. Avoiding fried foods and packaged foods containing hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil will help. In addition, eating foods that are rich in essential fats such as oily fish, nuts, seeds and cold pressed vegetable oils may help to redress the balance.  To gain more advice on how to avoid the dangerous fats and boost levels of healthy fats, why not make an appointment with Emma at Smart Nutrition.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
On Key

Related Posts

Why Low Testosterone Levels Matter

Is Low Testosterone Impacting Your Health? Low testosterone can show up in various ways, from reduced libido to erectile dysfunction. Discover the Power of At-Home Testing

Are Toxins Affecting Your Health?

Toxic heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, can interfere with essential bodily functions, causing issues like neurological damage, kidney problems, and developmental delays. Even low-level, long-term exposure can weaken the immune system and harm overall health. These metals often enter the body through contaminated food, water, air, or everyday products, making exposure difficult to avoid.

Resetting Your Health Before the Holidays

The holiday season can be a whirlwind of indulgence, but with a little preparation, you can enjoy it guilt-free while feeling your best. Some simple tips to manage the holiday season, focusing on gut health and stress management. If our body is out of balance then these suggestions will benefit you but may not provide relief of all your symptoms. In these instances we have recommended a couple of tests that relate to gut health and stress management to help you resolve these for good.

Managing Menopause and Hormonal Changes

Understanding the menopause and the hormonal changes that come with it is essential so you can support your body through these changes. Testing for menopause and monitoring hormonal changes can significantly improve health outcomes by tailoring interventions, reducing symptoms, and managing long-term risks associated with hormonal decline. The perimenopause acts as a critical opportunity for your health and to correct any imbalances before your transition into menopause.

Please do not return samples to the laboratories that may arrive after Wednesday 27th March and up to and including Monday 2nd April.

The laboratories are closed from the 28th March – 2nd April for the Easter Holiday.