We can consume trans fats, which are known to be harmful to health, without realizing it, through the foods we consume on a daily basis. Like many countries in the world, Turkey has also limited the use of trans fat in the ready-to-eat food sector. For a healthier life, it is necessary to pay attention to the consumption of trans fats.
WHAT IS TRANS FAT?
Trans fat, which is produced naturally and taken from animal foods, is in small amounts and does not pose a serious health risk. Artificially produced trans fats are obtained by saturating liquid vegetable oils with hydrogen, making them more solid. Industrial trans fats are very harmful to health. It is known that excessive consumption of this oil, which is found in packaged products and ready-made foods for many different purposes, can lead to diseases that may have serious consequences.
INCREASES THE RISK OF CANCER!
Diseases such as obesity, diabetes, coronary heart diseases and bowel cancer begin at a much younger age today. Excessive consumption of trans fats also causes the formation of cholesterol plaques that cause blockage in the heart and brain vessels, and an increase in bowel and breast cancers.
WHAT IS TRANS FAT FOUND?
Trans fats; It is used in various products for many purposes such as extending the shelf life of foods and making them more delicious. The foods with the highest trans fat content in the food industry are as follows;
- Margarine,
- Fast foods such as french fries, crispy chicken
- Bakery products such as bread, pastry,
- Snacks
- Popcorn
- coffee creamer
- Ice cream
UNSATURATED FAT MUST BE PREFERRED FOR A HEALTHY LIFE
The most suitable type of fat to consume for a healthy life is unsaturated fats. Examples of unsaturated fats are vegetable oils such as olive oil and avocado oil. In addition, nuts such as almonds, peanuts and walnuts are foods with high unsaturated fat content.
HOW CAN WE REDUCE TRANS FAT CONSUMPTION?
The amount of trans fat in packaged foods is stated in the ingredients section. People who want to reduce the use of trans fats and consume healthier fats; While shopping for food, they can examine the trans fat rate of the product they will buy and choose the one with a lower rate or no trans fat.