The "No Trans Fat" Cover-up!

The “low-fat” and “no-fat” culture that has been created in America has done more to hurt us than help us.  Think about it.  Products labeled as “Low fat” or “0 grams of fat” or even “No trans fat!” are being consumed more and more every day.  And yet, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes/obesity rates continue to climb every year at alarming rates.  Is it fat that’s the problem?  Of course not…it’s the kind of fat we need to be worrying about.  Some fats, like Omega-3 fats, are not only safe to consume…but you actually NEED them for your cells, and ultimately your entire body to function properly.  So what is the real villain here??  Trans fats!!!

Trans fats are formed through a process called “hydrogenation”, where hydrogen is added to heated vegetable oils.  The result is trans fat.  This fat is known to keep foods from spoiling, promising a longer shelf-life.  It’s also relatively inexpensive.  Of course this means more profits for food manufacturers.

“So they added some hydrogen…so what?”

This process makes a completely unnatural fat that wreaks havoc inside our bodies.  Trans fat consumption has been linked to the following:

• inflammation
• cancer
• diabetes
• decreased immune function
• problems with sexual reproduction
• obesity
• asthma
• interfering with Omega-3 fat processing
• increasing LDL and decreasing HDL cholesterol (a deadly combination!)
• heart disease

In fact, studies have shown that consuming only 1 gram of trans fat daily increases one's risk or heart disease by 20% (Journal of the American Heart Association, 2007)!!!  I would bet most people consume dozens of grams daily.  Do the math.  Is it any wonder that heart disease is the leading cause of death in America!?!

"So why isn't the government doing anything?"

Trans fats have been running wild for nearly 40 years unchecked.  Finally, in 2006, the U.S. government mandated all foods display the amount of trans fat on the packaging.  Unfortunately, the FDA allows manufacturers to round down on their ingredient totals.  The final ruling said that anything with 0.5 grams of trans fat or less per serving could be labeled as "0 grams of trans fat!".  Therefore, if you have 20 servings of something with 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving, they can legally say "0 grams of trans fat", and you're actually consuming 10 full grams after you've eaten the whole thing...I know...shocking.

"So how do I know if something really has trans fat?"

You have to be a detective of sorts.  Another name for trans fat is "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" oil.  No matter what the package says...READ THE INGREDIENTS!!!  If you see those words in qoutes above, you're eating trans fats!  If you don't...you're NOT!  That simple!

Unfortunately, our wellbeing often takes a backseat to maximizing profits.  You MUST be proactive with your health.  Never forget, our bodies are designed to heal and function optimally, but we need to provide it with the proper nutrients and steer clear of toxins like trans fat!

Remember, health is your God-given right!