Trans Fats

Can the foods we eat really affect our moods and health? During my teaching years I believed that the children were noisier and more restless those days they had candy, cookies and soda or fruit drinks. Now research is coming out showing that foods do in deed affect our behaviors and health. At http://www.extraordinaryhealth.com/ArticleLandingPage/tabid/2207/Default.aspx?ContentPubID=856 read about a study at the University of California that showed trans fatty acids were associated with aggression. An experiment out in the Midwest several years ago showed changing the diet of young people in a juvenile home lessened their aggression. They were given healthy, nutritious foods instead of burgers, French fries and soda.

Unfortunately, we can not assume that the foods available to us are all healthy. We have to take responsibility for our own health. Doctors are there to address the symptoms or fix things that are broken. However, it is up to each of us to make healthy choices if we want to be healthy.

The first choice is to decide what kinds of foods do we want to put into our bodies. That leads to finding out what do the foods we eat do for our bodies.

Trans Fats are the latest of ‘foods’ being linked to health issues. They are used as preservatives so our foods have a long shelf life. However, research is finding that these fats are increasing cholesterol and affecting the cardiovascular system. Find more details at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans_fat

Beware of FDA guidelines. If a food says it is Trans Fat Free, it is not telling you everything. Foods can still have 0.5 grams of trans fats in each serving! It is an improvement but you are still getting the trans fats in these foods. This site explains it in more detail.

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/understanding-trans-fats

Trans Fats have been banned in some cities and states.

In 2006 New York City passes trans fat ban

Restaurants must eliminate artery-clogging ingredient by July 2008.

In January, 2010 Californian trans fat ban takes effect

California has become the first state to ban the use of trans fat-containing cooking oils, as a law signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2008 came into effect on January 1.

http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Regulation/Californian-trans-fat-ban-takes-effect

On May 11, 2012 School Trans Fats Ban Passes Colorado Senate Despite All GOP Senators Voting Against It

As you can see, it isn’t easy to change eating habits but YOU can help make it easier by making healthy choices. Manufacturers will produce what you will buy. Stop buying Trans Fat foods and the industry will be forced to give you what you want.