Originally published January 12 2006
Harvard study finds trans fat consumption leads to inflammation
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has published a study conducted at Harvard University that found trans fat contributed to inflammation throughout the entire body.
From the "Food Sense" section of the newsletter, On Health, comes an article about the nutritional "villain" called trans-fat.
As food makers prepare to meet the Jan. 1, deadline for listing the trans-fat content on labels, studies have unearthed yet another worrisome effect of this heart-harming fat: increased inflammation through the body.
Inflammation is an immune-system response to infection or injury.
Excessive or prolonged inflammation can damage the arteries and other structures and increase the risk of heart disease and other illnesses.
Studies from Harvard University indicate that trans-fat, used to solidify and stabilize margarine and the oil in many baked and fast food items, may increase several indicators of systemic inflammation in healthy people.
In the latest study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the same researchers found that trans-fat may worsen the inflammation already present in people with heart failure.
Other research has shown that trans-fat may be worse for the heart than saturated fat.
While both fats raise levels of the bad, artery-clogging LDL cholesterol, trans lowers the "good" HDL cholesterol as well.
Nutrition experts recommend limiting your combined intake of trans- and saturated fat to no more than 10 percent of total calories, or 22 grams on a standard 2,000 calorie diet.
The Harvard study makes avoiding trans-fat especially important for people with heart failure.
If you see labels that don't yet list the trans-fat content, check the ingredients list to see if the food contains partially hydrogenated oil, which is the main source of trans-fat.
For information about senior services, call the Senior Helpline at 800-642-5119 or 786-5991 or visit www.svcoa.org.
Monday: Baked American goulash, parmesan cheese, French cut green beans, Italian bread, apple.
Tuesday: Sweet-n-sour pork, rice pilaf, garden peas, wheat bread, applesauce.
Wednesday: Beef stew, coleslaw with carrots, buttermilk biscuit, peach crisp.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml