Sunday, February 25, 2007
Trans Fats Update
New York City became the first municipality to pass a regulation requiring restaurants to stop cooking with foods containing artificial trans fats. In addition, a major food manufacturer (Kraft) plus numerous restaurants and fast food outlets (Burger King, Denny's, Dunkin Donuts, IHOP, KFC, Pizza Huts, Starbucks, Taco Bell, Wendy's) have been falling all over themselves pleging to start using healthful fats instead of trans laden one. Even Girl Scout cookies are now trans fat free.
All the fuss is because research shows that ingesting even small amounts of trans fats increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Recent studies suggest that they promote inflammation and constrict arteries, impending blood flow. The altered fats are linked to an increased risk of diabetes as well.
The science has been known for some time; even McDonald's pledged to stop using oils with trans fats a few years ago, though it never followed through. So, what is different now? PEOPLE WANT IT! Last year's mandatory trans labeling on packaged foods raised public awareness and people are now demanding change in the supermarket and in their eating out options.
The real lesson here is that - YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.When the paying public demands change, manufacturers pay attention. They want to sell what you will buy. And they will not keep marketing products you leave on store shelves.
All the fuss is because research shows that ingesting even small amounts of trans fats increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Recent studies suggest that they promote inflammation and constrict arteries, impending blood flow. The altered fats are linked to an increased risk of diabetes as well.
The science has been known for some time; even McDonald's pledged to stop using oils with trans fats a few years ago, though it never followed through. So, what is different now? PEOPLE WANT IT! Last year's mandatory trans labeling on packaged foods raised public awareness and people are now demanding change in the supermarket and in their eating out options.
The real lesson here is that - YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.When the paying public demands change, manufacturers pay attention. They want to sell what you will buy. And they will not keep marketing products you leave on store shelves.
