Hey everyone, no cute picture today...plus, I don't know that a glob of trans fats would be very appetizing to look at!
I've been on the anti-trans fats crusade for about 10 years. I was so happy when the FDA finally required food labels to include trans fats in 2006. I just read about a little glitch in the system, however, that I wanted to share with you. As long as the serving size has less than 0.5 grams of trans fats, they can put 0 g on the label and say there's no trans fats. Granted, 0.5 g isn't a lot, but if you're eating more than one serving, it adds up. And you really don't want any in your system anyway, no matter how small the amount. Lesson learned: check the ingredients list as well as the nutritional label. If it says 'hydrogenated' or 'partially hydrogenated' anywhere, then you've got trans fats. Don't eat it!
Why are trans fats so bad? Like saturated fats, they raise your bad cholesterol. However, trans fats take it one step further and actually LOWER your good cholesterol, something saturated fats don't do. Ah, the wonders of modern science. If you have a choice between a spread or real butter, go with real butter. It will do less damage and your body knows how to process the natural foods much better.
Gotta love all of our processed foods out there. Geesh.
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5 comments:
It's so funny reading about your East Coast road trip and all the food you love out here! We just moved from California to Rhode Island and laugh at the abundance of Italian food and lack of good Mexican. (I guess we'll have to visit Boston to try some Canolli.) We've also been wondering what the heck is up with the crazy hot dog buns!?
Luckily, we're going (home) to San Diego next week and I can't wait to get some Rubio's, Pipes, Potato Shack, and Alberto's!
:)
so funny...haven't done the potato shack - will have to check it out! too bad all the good food isn't in one place, but then I guess the world would be pretty boring. :)
You are a girl after my own heart! Down with the hydrogenated oils! :) Just thought I'd let you know of a great (albeit long) book I've been reading about food, called "What to Eat" by Marion Nestle. It helps you decode grocery shopping and food politics to understand what you are really getting. It is a great resource!
I'll definitely check that out, adri - thanks!!
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