The Great Trans Fat Mystery

What are trans Fats?

Trans fats are a type of fatty acids found in meat and dairy products and in hydrogenated fats.

What does hydrogenate means?

Hydrogenation is a process used by manufacturers to turn liquid fats (polyunsaturated fats) into solid fats (saturated trans fats).  Foods last longer when they have trans fats, but they can also be harmful to your health.

How can trans fatty acids be harmful?

Clinical studies indicate that trans fatty acids can raise total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower HDL (good cholesterol).  This increases your chances of having heart disease and stroke.   The American Heart Association’s Nutrition Committee strongly recommends that we lower the amount of trans fatty acids in our diet.

How can I tell if a product contains trans fats?

To find trans fats, look in the INGREDIENTS list.  The terms “hydrogenated”, “partially hydrogenated” or “vegetable shortening” indicate that foods have trans fatty acids.  By January 1, 2006, manufacturers had to list trans fat content on the Nutrition Facts Panel of the food label.

So what should I eat?

* Use nonhydrogenated oil such as olive oil or canola oil when possible

* Look for processed foods made with nonhydrogenated rather than hydrogenated oil or saturated fat

* Use margarine as a substitute for butter, and choose soft (liquid or tub) margarines over harder stick forms.  Use margarine with no more than 2 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon and with liquid vegetable oil as the first ingredient.

* Avoid buying French fries, doughnuts, cookies and crackers - often high in trans fats.

Health Check, Harris County Public Health & Environment Services

Posted by:  Dianne Gertson

Dinner Tonight Healthy Cooking School

            Are you looking for quick, easy and healthy meals to feed your family and friend?  Join us for the 1^st Annual Dinner Tonight Healthy Cooking School! This event is taking place on May 7 from 6-8 p.m. at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Building B, in Rosenberg.  This event will feature recipes that promote Texas agriculture and are easy and nutritious meals that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. Participants will prepare and sample two 3 course meals.  The cost of the cooking school is $20.  Pre registration is required by April 26.  You can register by contacting the Fort Bend County Extension Office at 281-342-3034.  The doors will open at 5:00 p.m.

The Dinner Tonight Healthy Cooking School utilizes recipes that are cost effective, easy to prepare and fit into a healthy meal plan.  We are targeting busy people who still want to make time for meal preparation and feel good about what they are feeding themselves and their family.  Our goals are to promote family mealtime, teach families healthy meal planning and food preparation techniques.  

Posted by:  Dianne Gertson