Americans consuming too many Trans Fats

Trans fats have been disappearing from foods; however, the government still believes Americans are consuming to many of them. Therefore, in a move to further improve public health, the Food and Drug Administration is taking steps to phase them out. Commissioner Margaret Hamburg says based on scientific evidence that trans fats are a major contributor to obesity and heart disease, the agency has determined they are no longer generally recognized as safe.  “This determination, which is based on available scientific evidence in the findings of expert scientific panels, is an important step toward removing harmful trans fat from processed food.” Trans fat increases the risk of coronary heart disease, continues Hamburg. “Consumption of artificial trans fat increases the risk of coronary heart disease.  The non-partisan, much respected Institute of Medicine independently concluded that trans fat provides no known health benefits and there is no safe level of consumption of artificial trans fat.” These hydrogenated oils known as trans fat are killing Americans, concludes Hamburg. “Removing partially hydrogenated oils from proceeds food could prevent as many as 20,000 additional heart attacks and up to 7,000 additional coronary deaths each year.” Talk to your doctor about ways you can eliminate trans fats from your diet.