(NaturalNews) Citizens of Denmark who don't count saturated fat grams can count on an increase in their grocery bill this fall. In early October, Denmark officials placed a tax on foods which contain saturated fat. The new tax charges the equivalent of $1.29 per pound on all foods which contain 2.3 percent or more saturated fat.
The Danish government says it's necessary to place a tax on saturated fat to increase the lifespan of its citizens. Central planners say the tax is part of a plan to raise the average life expectancy in Denmark by three years over the next decade. They predict the tax will decrease the consumption of saturated fat and therefore lead to increased longevity. In reality, many feel the tax is unethical, and fear it will do nothing more than drain citizen wallets and fill government coffers.
Taxing Natural Foods and Stealing Our Freedom
The tax on saturated fat outrages health-conscious individuals on many levels. One huge problem is the tax fails to distinguish between industrial junk foods and natural whole foods. Any food containing 2.3 percent or more saturated fat is included in the tax plan. The new tax targets commonly recognized junk foods like snack cakes and candy bars, but it also hits what many consider to be healthy foods, such as avocados, coconut oil and organic cheese and eggs. Organic whole milk, cod liver oil, and certain nuts and seeds also make the list. Whole food enthusiasts are understandably perturbed by this inclusion.
Questions are also raised about the true impact on saturated fat on our health. With their new tax,
Denmark officials appear to ignore any and all research which suggests saturated fat is not actually harmful to our health:
- For instance, the renowned Cochrane Collaboration analyzed 27 studies and found lower saturated
fat intake was not associated with lower heart attack risk.
- Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found no solid evidence linking saturated fat to heart disease or stroke.
- More research shows eating coconut oil, which is composed almost entirely of saturated fatty acids, actually improves cholesterol profiles.
The new
tax is a striking example of what happens when bureaucracy becomes too powerful. When a select few can define healthy eating and then financially punish anyone who doesn't agree, it is a sign of our personal freedom disappearing into oblivion.
Sources for this article include:http://www.thenewamerican.com/opinion/ralph-reiland/9343-first-cigare...http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/02/04/us-fat-heart-idUSTRE6134102...http://www.naturalnews.com/026547_oil_coconut.htmlhttp://www.naturalnews.com/025857_fat_saturated_health.htmlhttp://www.naturalnews.com/027865_saturated_fat_health.htmlAbout the author:Elizabeth Walling is a freelance writer specializing in health and family nutrition. She is a strong believer in natural living as a way to improve health and prevent modern disease. She enjoys thinking outside of the box and challenging common myths about health and wellness. You can visit her blog to learn more:
www.livingthenourishedlife.com/2009/10/welcome.html
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