0g Trans Fat? Guess Again.

Labels LIE!! Perhaps a theme that will continue to arise in my posts as I move forward.  Just because the nutrition information on a food package says '0g Trans Fat' does not mean that there is NO trans fat.

Counter intuitive? I think so.

The FDA allows for the claim of zero grams of trans fat as long as the product has less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving.  This means you are probably still eating trans fat.

How can I tell if my food has trans fat if the labels are lying to me? Surprisingly, it's pretty simple.  Just check the ingredients list - you know, the one in size 4 font under the nutritional information.  If you see the phrase 'partially hydrogenated,'  then the product contains trans fat.

Why is trans fat bad? First, trans fats are non-essential and provide no benefit to humans through consumption.  Second, trans fats actually raise bad cholesterol levels (LDL) while lowering good cholesterol levels (HDL), thus increasing risk of heart disease.  Other effects of trans fat include increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, liver dysfunction, infertility (in women), and depression.

Although I don't think it's necessary to stop buying products with partially hydrogenated ingredients, I do believe everyone should have the facts, and know that according to the FDA, one half gram equals zero grams.


Worried about your cholesterol levels? Check out:
10 Ways to Lower Your Cholestrol in just 5 Days
cholesterol: 51 Ways To Fight High Cholesterol
21 NATURAL WAYS TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL SO YOU LIVE LONGER