Trans-fats are generally known to increase the risk of cardiovascular heart disease. Consumption of trans-fat elevates the level of low density lipoprotein (LDL) (“bad cholesterol”) and consequently lowers the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) (“good cholesterol”) (Mayo Clinic, 2011). In addition, trans-fat is the major risk factor for diabetes, obesity and overweight. Thus, the controversy between the artificial and natural occurring trans-fat and differentiation of its nutritional benefits is not conclusive. However, the Canadian trans-fat studies conducted by Dr. Proctor indicated that the natural trans-fat, “vaccenic acid” generally found in beef and dairy products may have beneficial outcomes because natural occurring trans-fat from animal sources had different bodily response than the artificial or synthetic trans-fat food products (Redorbit, 2011). Apparently, the study was funded by the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency. In addition, One million dollars were granted for further studies by the sponsors (Redorbit, 2011). In contrast, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a preliminary assessment indicating that unsaturated trans-fats or partially hydrogenated oil is not safe for use in diets or food products (Neporent, 2013). Eventually, based on the FDA assessment, the agency could ban, or restrict the use of artificial trans- fats in the diet or food products.

The industrial process in making artificial trans-fats from liquid oils into solid fats is a process generally known as hydrogenation. This artificial process increases food product’s shelf life, however, the end product also clog arteries with fats. The FDA assessment indicated that reduction or ban of trans-fat in the food supply would reduce heart attack incidence by more than 20,000 and the incidence of coronary heart disease by 7,000 annually (Neporent, 2013). Therefore, avoiding trans-fat sources or reducing the consumption of daily trans-fats is invaluable preventative measures for the control of chronic disease associated with trans-fat risk factors. Some of these trans-fat food products sources are fast food restaurants and some brands of microwave popcorn, frozen desert baking mixes, and margarines to mention, but a few.

References

Mayo Clinic. (2011).Trans fat is double trouble for your heart health. Retrieved from http ://www.mayoclinic.com/health/trans-fat/CL00032

Neporent, L. (2013).  5 Foods that could become illegal with FDA move to ban trans fats.  Retrieved from http://gma.yahoo.com/5-foods-still-contain-trans-fats-045642100–abc-news-topstories.html

Redorbit. (2011). Trans fats from ruminant animals may be beneficial. Retrieved from http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/2608879/trans-fats-from-ruminant-animals-may-be-beneficial/