Aggressive by trans fat in fast food

07/11/2012

Every child knows that fast food is unhealthy. Nevertheless, burgers, French fries and pizza are very popular. American scientists have recently discovered that so-called trans fatty acids contained in industrially manufactured foods such as fast foods or baked goods not only make you fat but also aggressive.

Trans fats promote cardiovascular disease
Already for some time, nutritionists warn against so-called trans fats, which are mainly contained in fast food and baked goods. On the one hand, they increase the LDL value, the so-called bad cholesterol, but at the same time also lead to a reduction in the HDL level in the blood serum, the so-called good cholesterol. Consequences often include arteriosclerosis, which leads to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. For the first time, scientists at the University of California at San Diego are reporting another effect of trans fats. In the journal „PLos ONE“ They write that trans fatty acids are associated with increased impatience, increased irritability and aggressiveness.

For their study, the scientists from California investigated the effects of trans fat on the behavior of about 1,000 subjects. Beatrice Golomb and her team revealed that the study participants, whose diet consisted of foods with many trans fatty acids, reacted significantly more aggressive and irritable compared to the subjects with a healthier diet. According to researchers, gender, age and ethnic origin did not matter. High consumption of trans fatty acids even leads to a more aggressive behavior than excessive alcohol consumption, the researchers said

Food industry often uses artificially hydrogenated fats with trans fat
Trans fats are artificially hydrogenated fats and are mostly found in fast foods, margarines, biscuits and fried foods. They are often used in the food industry because they are cheaper than other fats. However, the human body can not process and break down the artificially hydrogenated fats. Appears in the ingredient list of a product „contains hardened vegetable fat“ listed, this is also an indication of trans fatty acids.

The scientists recommend to refrain from trans fatty acids in food for schools, prisons or other institutions. Because the harmful effects could affect not only the consumers but also their fellow human beings, report Golomb and her colleagues. Even food manufacturers should consider the research results and refrain from artificially hydrogenated fats - even if they are cheaper than other fats. The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) also advises to consume as few trans fatty acids as possible. (Ag)

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Image: Benjamin Thorn