Originally published February 7 2006
2006 promises a new array of food products free of trans fat
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Dr. Michael Pinon discusses the appearance of new trans fat-free products, including the much-anticipated Girl Scout's Thin Mint Cookie, considered to be the result of legislation that requires food companies to disclose trans fat content on food labels.
Slated to be the food industry's boldest "Coming Out" party, these debs along with hundreds of other processed food products ranging from Pop Tarts to Hostess Twinkies will be making their "trans-fat-free" debut.
Americans have grown fatter and sicker with more heart disease despite the fact that we are consuming 18 percent fewer calories from fat than we did 20 years ago.
It's quite evident that those nutrition labels aren't telling us everything about the evils lurking within that batch of Krispy Kremes and Oreo cookies.
Consequently, effective Jan. 1, manufacturers are mandated by the FDA to label the trans fat content in their products.
Trans fats are secretly hidden in most margarines and shortening, deep-fried potato chips, many fast-food items, some dairy items and most baked goods.
Interestingly, products made with heart-healthy vegetable oils or those labeled "low fat" may actually be more detrimental than foods made with saturated fat.
Because the body cannot process these man-made fats, they end up lingering throughout our arteries.
ADVERTISEMENT High in unsaturated fatty acids, liquid vegetable oil undergoes a chemical process known as hydrogenation, which transforms it to a more solid and saturated form.
Adding hydrogen to these oils gives foods more texture and better taste.
A number of U.S. food manufacturers, including the makers of Crisco oil, Cheetos and Doritos, are eliminating or reducing trans fat from their products.
In addition, if the ingredient list includes the words "shortening," "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" or "hydrogenated vegetable oil," the food contains trans fat.
Though it may take more than product labeling to avenge that Hostess Twinkie or to ultimately change our eating habits, it's definitely the right approach en route to being educated and well-informed consumers.
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