The Skinny on Trans Fats

Fats remain a mystery to most consumers. Some are good for you; some aren’t.

Trans fats, definitely in the bad fats category, present a very real health hazard and are being banned throughout the country.

Williamsport internist and president-elect of the Pennsylvania Medical Society Daniel Glunk, MD, explains the double danger of trans fats.

“Simply put, trans fats raise your bad cholesterol (LDL), lower your good cholesterol (HDL) and increase your risk for heart disease,” he said.

Watch out for food containing high levels of trans fats: margarines (especially hard margarines), commercially fried or breaded foods such as crackers, snack foods, and french fries, and bakery products, such as cookies, donuts, pastries, muffins, croissants.

When grocery shopping, look for “partially hydrogenated” oils on the ingredients label; it’s another term for trans fats. And if you are eating out, ask what oils are used to cook the food.

A good rule of thumb is to choose healthier foods overall. Lower fat dairy products, leaner meats and food prepared with little or no fat are great choices.

Eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, peas, lentils, beans and nuts and you’re well on your way to a low fat, healthy diet.
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