So harmful are trans fats for our health

Canada leads by example and bans trans fats

Since Saturday, September 15, 2018, the use of trans fat in Canadian foods is prohibited. With that, Canadian health authorities want to offer a healthier diet. In Germany, these fats are still hidden in many foods. What makes trans fat so dangerous?

Industrially processed trans fats give products a longer shelf life and provide more crispness. Therefore, they are often found in baked goods, fried foods, ready meals and sweets. "High intake of trans fats is more likely to cause heart disease," the Canadian health organization "Heart & Stroke" wrote in a press release on the ban.

In Canada, the ban on trans fats has come into force for a few days. The harmful fats are said to be responsible for thousands of heart diseases each year. In Germany, there are not even limit values ​​or labeling requirements for the pathogenic fat. (Image: Syda Productions / fotolia.com)

Thousands of heart patients due to trans fat

As the organization reports, thousands of heart disease in Canada every year is attributable to the harmful trans fats. "These fats clog the heart," write the Canadian experts. In particular, the "bad" LDL cholesterol rise through the trans fat. The prohibition covers only industrially processed trans fats, not the natural trans fatty acids found in some foods, such as dairy, beef and lamb, and some oils.

What are artificial trans fats?

The health organization "Heart & Stroke" explains the harmful trans fats. For the prohibition, the organization has been active since 2006. Industrial trans fats are made by adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils. This makes the fats harder, making chips and chips crispy, or donuts and croissants for longer.

How do you know if a product contains trans fats??

In Germany, there are neither limits nor a separate labeling obligation for trans fat. Some manufacturers draw attention to such things as "containing hardened" or "partially hydrogenated" fats. Consumers are left in the dark as to whether and how much trans fats are contained in each product. Tendeziel you can find the harmful fats in:

• Bakery products: Donuts, croissants, cakes, biscuits, frosting.
• Fast food and deep fried: Frozen pizza, burger, fries.
• ready meals: Instant soups, breadcrumbs on frozen meat or fish.
• Sweets and snacks: Potato chips, popcorn, crackers, cereal bars.

How do trans fats affect our health??

According to Heart & Stroke, trans fats increase the risk of heart disease by increasing LDL cholesterol and lowering "good" HDL cholesterol levels. Furthermore, trans fats would settle faster than fatty deposits in the blood vessels and thus promote atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis), which can lead to a heart attack.

The industry is blind on the healthy eye?

The health organization asked the food industry several years ago to voluntarily abandon the use of trans fat. According to Heart & Stroke, this request was unsuccessful. In particular, in foods that are consumed mainly by children and overweight in large quantities, were still particularly many trans fats. "Just a ban will ensure that all industrially manufactured trans fats are effectively removed from the Canadian food supply," says the health organization.

What does a healthy diet look like today??

Even after the ban, nothing fundamental changes in the principles of a healthy diet. "Heart & Stroke" advises eating lots of vegetables, fruits and plant foods. With meat products one should rather resort to lean meat and poultry or eat as an alternative fish. Processed foods such as ready meals should be avoided if possible. Also, calories from sugary drinks should be kept to a minimum. (Vb)