TRANS FATS CLOG ARTERIES AND INCREASE THE RISK OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE.
Trans fats, also known as trans fatty acids, are unsaturated fats that can occur naturally or be artificially created.
In the Caribbean, they have become a significant public health concern due to their links to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Naturally occurring trans fats are found in small amounts in meat and dairy products from ruminant animals like cows, sheep, and goats. However, the more concerning type is industrially produced trans fats, which are created through the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. These are commonly found in fast foods, margarines, shortenings, packaged baked goods such as cookies and pastries, and fried foods.
PAHO Key Facts:
- Industrially-produced trans fat is a man-made harmful compound found in foods, fats and oils.
- Trans fat clogs arteries and increases the risk of coronary heart disease.
- Increased intake of trans fat (>1% of total energy intake) is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease mortality and events.
- Eliminating trans fat from the food supply and replacing it with healthier alternatives is feasible and is happening in many high-income countries.
For details, watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ0cn5mEt7M