Trans fats are the type of fats which are rarely present in natural form but can be created artificially. It is naturally present in animals like cattle and sheep in small amounts.
Today the largest amount of trans-fats are being produced artificially by the processed food industry. Vegetable oils are treated to convert them into semi solid fats which have the right consistency to replace animal fats like butter and lard and that too at a much lower cost. Since these trans-fats are an inexpensive alternative, they are used in the fast food, fried, processed foods and baked good industries.
Apart from imparting right flavor and texture, they also give processed foods higher shelf life.
Health implications of Trans-Fat
1. Increase the bad LDL cholesterol
2. Decrease the good HDL cholesterol
3. Leads to plaque formation in arteries
4. Increase other health risks like cancer, diabetes and obesity.
Check your Food Labels
1. Zero Transfat means may be some trans fat. FDA allows food with 0.5 gms of trans fat per serving to be called as Zero Transfat.
2. Labels that say contains partially hydrogenated oil means it contains trans fat.
Trans-fat is present in:
1. Cookies, pastries, Donuts, cakes, biscuits
2. Fried foods
3. Frozen foods
4. Microwaveable popcorn
5. Muffin
6. Frozen chicken and noodles
Healthier snack alternatives
1. Fruits and vegetables
2. Whole grain products with hummus or yoghurt dip
3. Lean meats
4. Oily fish like salmon
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Healthier snack alternatives
1. Fruits and vegetables
2. Whole grain products with hummus or yoghurt dip
3. Lean meats
4. Oily fish like salmon
5. Steamed snack items like Idlis, dhokla, upma and poha
About Dt. Ankita Gupta Sehgal, She is one of the leading dietitian in Delhi, operating from Rajouri Garden, West Delhi. She has 9 years of experience in helping her clients achieve their health goals like weight loss, weight gain, meal management, High Cholesterol Control, High Blood Sugar, Pre & Post Pregnancy Diet and PCOD/PCOS Diet Corrections. She believes in providing diet straight from home kitchen and doesn't makes you eat any artificial aftermarket supplements. She is one of the best dietician in Delhi. Feel Free to Book Your Appointment Online or Call her at +91-9873974659 today.
5. Steamed snack items like Idlis, dhokla, upma and poha