Trans Fats

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Trans Fats

• What are they?
• Where are they found?
• Whats the hype?
• Is there reason to be
  concerned?

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What are they?

• Trans fats for the most part are oils that have
  been chemically treated with hydrogen creating a
  new chemical structure thus changing both the
  chemical physical properties.
• These fatty acids are chains of carbon atoms
  which combine with other molecules.
• This is a manufacturing process called
• hydrogenation. Actually the liquid oil can be
  made more viscous to a point where the oil
  becomes a solid.

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The Fat Transformer
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Lets Discuss Fats First

• There are THREE BASIC
  CLASSIFICATIONS
• Saturated
• Monounsaturated
• Polyunsaturated
• All fats are identified as fatty acids that are
  recognized by the chemical formula.
• The molecule of fat is totally filled with
  hydrogen making it a saturated molecule.
• When the molecule of fat has only one available
  space for hydrogen it is known as a
  monounsaturated fat.
• And if there are more than one availability for
  hydrogen, the fat is known as a polyunsaturated
  fat.

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So now what?How can I tell which is which?

• Lets take a look at a few sample fats oils.
• Saturated
• Monounsaturated
• Polyunsaturated

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Where are they found?

• Cakes Cookies Crackers
• Pies Processed Foods
• Fast Foods Fried Foods

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How are we doin
?
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So Whats the Hype

• Trans fats have been about for about 100 years.
  So whats up all of a sudden?
• Trans fats are mostly unsaturated so isnt that a
  nutritive improvement?
• Trans fats improve the flavor texture of foods.
• Trans fats have a longer shelf life than the oils
  or animal fats.
• Trans fats maintain high temperatures for frying
  without burning.

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Is there reason for concern?

• In 1990 scientists discovered a relationship
  between trans fats cholesterol.
• Raises the LDL
• Lowers the HDL
• These two conditions significantly increase the
  chance of heart disease.
• 1. making the arteries more
  rigid
• 2. causing major clogs in the
  arteries
• 3. creating insulin
  resistance
• 4. actually cause or
  contribute to type 2 diabetes.

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• In January 2006 the US government requires all
  manufacturers to list the trans fat content on
  the nutrition labels.
• At this time it is recommended that we only
  intake 1-2 grams per day of trans fat.
• When is Zero not Zero?
• Absolutely YES!! We are on the right track but
  must be active consumers and citizens for a
  healthier you.