|
 |
Saying "NO" to Trans-fats! What are trans-fats?: 'Trans-fats', or 'hydrogenated fats' are cheap runny vegetable oils that have been artificially hardened so they can be used in baking, spreads and pastries. They can be found in every-day own-brand, discount, and even branded products. They are common in cheaper ready-made products. They can also be created in frying-oils that keep being re-used. What is wrong with them?: They are a man-made fat, your body doesn't recognise them as they are not natural, and mistakes them for useful 'Essential Fatty Acids'. They can gather in the brain and other organs. They cause damage to the body, including liver damage and raising blood pressure. They have been implicated in mental disorders including dementia and bi-polar. So what?: There is no agreed safe limit for trans-fats, many countries say they are toxic, and have completely banned their use. The UK government wants the industry to phase out their use voluntarily. This will never happen: If you buy cheap shop-bought or take-away pastries, pies, cakes, etc. You are probably already consuming more than your fair share! My promise to you: Where I have a choice I will only use ingredients that say: 'No Trans Fats' or 'No hydrogenated fats' on the label, even if that means buying more expensive ingredients, or using butter instead of vegetable oils in certain dishes. This
can be difficult as there is no requirement on manufacturers to state
whether their products include trans-fats, but I will try to search out
the best ingredients for each dish. |