New York City has banned trans-fats from use in city restaurants. Why? Read on...
A doughnut or bagel in the morning with your coffee, some fried chicken or a burger and fries for lunch- any of this sound familiar? If so- you should know that you, like most North Americans might be ingesting an average of 4.7 lbs of trans-fat a year (according to the Food and Drug Administration in the USA).
So what's the big deal, you might be wondering? According to a recent BBC online article, here's the skinny on unhealthy trans-fats:
- They are partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, turning oily foods into semi-solid foods
- Used to extend shelf life of products
- Put into pastries, cakes, margarine and some fast foods
- Can raise levels of "bad" cholesterol
- Even a small reduction in consumption can cut heart disease
- They have no nutritional benefit
New York City has baned their use in restaurants and I applaud their efforts. By July 1, 2008, all use of trans-fat oils must have ceased. Here's hoping the trend catches on elsewhere on the continent. You of course can sway the matter with your fork and your dollar by not buying trans-fat laden snacks, foods and educating yourself about the kinds of oils your favourite fast-food places use. Your heart, arteries and hips will thank you for it!
