WHO warns: Hidden trans fats still threaten global health
Proper diet is the foundation of well-being and maintaining health. The harmful effects of excess salt and sugar have been discussed for years, but another danger lurks in our food. Many people consume it every day.
11 November 2024 13:18
Recent scientific discoveries confirm that trans fats are very harmful to our health. For this reason, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns against their consumption. Many countries, following WHO's recommendations, have introduced bans or restrictions on using trans fats in food. Unfortunately, many people still unknowingly include them in their daily diet.
What are trans fats?
Trans fats are a type of fatty acid that can occur in two forms: natural and artificial. Natural trans fats are found in small amounts in meat and dairy products from ruminants, and in this form, there's no need for particular concern if you do not overindulge in beef regularly. However, the artificial ones pose a greater risk. The industrial hydrogenation of vegetable oils produces these and have a much more adverse impact on health.
Artificial trans fats can threaten health by leading to an increase in "bad" LDL cholesterol and a decrease in "good" HDL cholesterol, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They can also lead to being overweight, type 2 diabetes, and other serious conditions, such as colon cancer or Alzheimer's disease.
In which products can trans fats be found?
Trans fats are often hidden in food products we regularly keep in our kitchens. They can be found in deeply frozen products, such as French fries, nuggets, fish sticks, or dumplings. Poor-quality baked goods like donuts, cookies, cakes, and wafers also contain them.
Be particularly cautious with highly processed products, such as canned meat, hot dogs, fast foods, ready meals, or processed cheeses.
Limit trans fats in your diet
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends completely eliminating diet trans fats. Denmark was a pioneer in limiting their use in food, which has contributed to improving the health of its citizens. In the European Union, a limit on trans fat content has been introduced - they cannot exceed 2% in the final product.
First and foremost, read labels. The shorter the list of ingredients and the less processed the product, the less likely it is to contain trans fats. Look for the phrase "partially hydrogenated vegetable oils." This is a synonym for trans fats. If you find this phrase on a label, put the product back on the shelf. Also, limit the consumption of fast food, chips, cookies, sweet drinks, ready frozen meals, and convenience products. It will definitely benefit your health.
