Trans FatsTrans Fats

What are they?What are they?

Where are they found?Where are they found?

What’s the hype?What’s the hype? Is there reason toIs there reason to be concerned?be concerned?

What are they?What are they? Trans fats for the most part are oils that have Trans fats for the most part are oils that have

been chemically treated with been chemically treated with hydrogenhydrogen creating creating a “new” chemical structure thus changing both a “new” chemical structure thus changing both the chemical & physical properties.the chemical & physical properties.

These These fatty acidsfatty acids are chains of carbon atoms are chains of carbon atoms which combine with other molecules.which combine with other molecules.

This is a manufacturing process called This is a manufacturing process called hydrogenationhydrogenation. Actually the liquid oil can be . Actually the liquid oil can be

made more viscous to a point where the oil made more viscous to a point where the oil becomes a solid.becomes a solid.

The Fat TransformerThe Fat Transformer

Let’s Discuss Fats First Let’s Discuss Fats First

There areThere are THREE BASIC CLASSIFICATIONSTHREE BASIC CLASSIFICATIONS

SaturatedSaturatedMonounsaturatedMonounsaturated

PolyunsaturatedPolyunsaturated All All fatsfats are identified as are identified as fatty acidsfatty acids that are recognized by that are recognized by

the chemical formula.the chemical formula. The molecule of fat is totally filled with The molecule of fat is totally filled with hydrogenhydrogen making making

it a it a “saturated”“saturated” molecule. molecule. When the molecule of fat has only one available space When the molecule of fat has only one available space

for hydrogen it is known as a for hydrogen it is known as a “monounsaturated” “monounsaturated” fat.fat. And… if there are more than one availability for And… if there are more than one availability for

hydrogen, the fat is known as a hydrogen, the fat is known as a “polyunsaturated”“polyunsaturated” fat. fat.

So now what?So now what?

How can I tell which is which?How can I tell which is which? Let’s take a look at a few sample fats & Let’s take a look at a few sample fats &

oils.oils.

SaturatedSaturated

MonounsaturatedMonounsaturated

PolyunsaturatedPolyunsaturated

Where are they found?Where are they found?

Cakes Cookies CrackersCakes Cookies Crackers

Pies Processed FoodsPies Processed Foods

Fast Foods Fried FoodsFast Foods Fried Foods

How are we doin’

?

So What’s the HypeSo What’s the Hype Trans fats have been about for about 100 Trans fats have been about for about 100

years. So what’s up all of a sudden?years. So what’s up all of a sudden? Trans fats are mostly unsaturated so isn’t that Trans fats are mostly unsaturated so isn’t that

a nutritive improvement?a nutritive improvement? Trans fats improve the flavor & texture of Trans fats improve the flavor & texture of

foods.foods. Trans fats have a longer shelf life than the oils Trans fats have a longer shelf life than the oils

or animal fats.or animal fats. Trans fats maintain high temperatures for Trans fats maintain high temperatures for

frying without burning.frying without burning.

Is there reason for Is there reason for concern?concern?

In 1990 scientists discovered a relationship between trans fats & In 1990 scientists discovered a relationship between trans fats & cholesterol.cholesterol.

Raises the LDLRaises the LDL Lowers the HDLLowers the HDLThese two conditions significantly increase the chance of heart These two conditions significantly increase the chance of heart

disease. disease.

1.1. making the arteries more rigidmaking the arteries more rigid 2. causing major clogs in the arteries2. causing major clogs in the arteries

3. creating insulin resistance3. creating insulin resistance 4. actually cause or contribute to type 4. actually cause or contribute to type

2 diabetes 2 diabetes..

In January 2006 the US government requires all In January 2006 the US government requires all manufacturers to list the trans fat content on the manufacturers to list the trans fat content on the nutrition labels.nutrition labels.

At this time it is recommended that we only intake 1-2 At this time it is recommended that we only intake 1-2 grams per day of trans fat.grams per day of trans fat.

When is Zero not Zero? When is Zero not Zero?

Absolutely YES!! We are on the right track but must be Absolutely YES!! We are on the right track but must be active consumers and citizens for a healthier you.active consumers and citizens for a healthier you.