How much trans fat is recommended in the diet?
Q: What is trans fat?
Trans fat is a type of unsaturated fat that can be found naturally in small amounts in some animal products, but most trans fats are created through an industrial process that adds hydrogen to vegetable oil, making it solid at room temperature.
Q: Why is trans fat bad for us?
Trans fats raise your bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and lower your good (HDL) cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. They are also known to increase inflammation and insulin resistance in the body.
Learn more about the dangers of trans fat
Q: How much trans fat should we consume?
It’s recommended to keep trans fat consumption as low as possible, ideally avoiding it altogether. The American Heart Association suggests that trans fat intake should be limited to less than 1% of total daily calories.
Discover recommended trans fat intake guidelines
Q: Are there any naturally occurring trans fats?
Yes, there are small amounts of trans fats that occur naturally in some animal products like meat and dairy. However, the main concern is the artificially created trans fats found in processed and fried foods.
Get more information about naturally occurring trans fats
Q: How can I avoid trans fats in my diet?
To avoid trans fats, it’s best to read food labels and ingredient lists carefully. Look for keywords such as “partially hydrogenated oils” which indicate the presence of trans fats. Choose foods that are labeled as trans fat-free or contain zero grams of trans fats.
Learn tips on avoiding trans fats in your diet
Q: What are some healthier alternatives to trans fats?
Healthy alternatives to trans fats include monounsaturated fats found in olive oil and avocados, as well as polyunsaturated fats found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds. These fats can help improve your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.