Trans fats are found naturally at low levels in some animal-based foods, but can also be formed when liquid oils are made into semi-solid fats like shortening and hard margarine. Common food sources of trans fat include:
- Snack foods (e.g. cookies, crackers)
- Prepared desserts and pastries (e.g. donuts, croissants, cakes)
- Naturally in meat and some dairy
- Fats/ oils that are solid or semi-solid at room temperature (e.g. shortening, margarine)
- Ghee (Indian clarified butter)
- Fried foods
The American Heart Association recommends limiting trans fat to no more than 1 percent of your total daily calories. For most people, this is less than 2 grams a day. A high intake of saturated and trans fats has been linked to an increase in LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), a decrease in HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), and increases the risk of heart disease and health complications. Simple everyday changes can be made to decrease your risk, so why not consider where you could make a change that may help you and your family!
Information Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fat/NU00262/NSECTIONGROUP=2
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/gras-trans-fats/tfa-age_question-eng.php
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/food-aliment/trans-eng.php#ma
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