FDA Moves to Ban Trans Fats in Processed Foods
A review of scientific data on the dangers of partially hydrogentated oils (PHOs) has prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ban these ingredients from being included in processed foods.
PHOs are the main source of artificial trans fats, which are not "generally recognized as safe," according to the FDA.
Food manufacturers will be given three years to remove PHOs from their products, which will never be allowed in human food thereafter unless companies have approved permits from the FDA to use PHOs for specific cases.
"The FDA's action on this major source of artificial trans fat demonstrates the agency's commitment to the heart health of all Americans," said Stephen Ostroff, M.D., the FDA's Acting Commissioner "This action is expected to reduce coronary heart disease and prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks every year."
Diabetes and trans fat
The FDA claims that trans fat consumption has decreased in recent years, probably due to better labeling practices and healthier eating trends. But artificial trans fats - which are different from natural trans fats found in foods like dairy and meat - still exist in many processed foods, like vegetable oils, junk food and fast food.
Many studies have linked trans fats to a higher risk of insulin resistance, abdominal obesity and blood sugar problems. Trans fats may also increase inflammatory markers, which can raise risk for diabetes and other chronic diseases.
"Studies show that diet and nutrition play a key role in preventing chronic health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, and today's action goes hand in hand with other FDA initiatives to improve the health of Americans, including updating the nutrition facts label," said Susan Mayne, Ph.D., director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. "This determination is based on extensive research into the effects of PHOs, as well as input from all stakeholders received during the public comment period."
According to the FDA, consumers can make healthier choices by checking food labels and avoiding products that contain partially hydrogenated oils.
Source: Science Daily, Authority Nutrition
Image courtesy of Serge Bertasius Photography/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
More Articles
With its slightly nutty flavor, chewy texture, and nutritional punch farro is an ancient whole grain worth a place in our pantry.
Farro...
Having diabetes is cause for concern, however it doesn’t mean that you need to eliminate all of your favorite foods from your diet completely....
With diabetes becoming more of an epidemic each and every day, being knowledgeable about the disease, its effects on the body as well as ways to...
If you’re a diabetic or live with one, it can be tough trying to figure out the best foods to eat because your priority is to control your blood...
In this post, I will show you the 10 best ice creams for diabetics.
When you think of sweetened foods that a diabetic shouldn’t consume,...
More Articles
If you’re living with diabetes, snacking is a necessity because going for more than 3-4 hours without eating can be detrimental to your health....
For diabetics, choosing healthy snacks can be a daunting task.
A good rule of thumb is to pick out snacks that are rich in protein, fiber,...
According to information available through the National Institutes of Health, there’s an estimated 462 million people in the world who are...
Eleven Clinical Studies
After eleven clinical studies and 300,000 participants, researcher Vasanti Malik and her team of researchers...
Diabetic women often have a harder time losing weight than non-diabetic women. A study funded by Jenny Craig proved that diabetic women have an...
Many recent studies have proved that magnesium levels are lower in patients with diabetes than in non-diabetics. This magnesium...
Fluid retention, also known as edema, is a problem that affects many diabetics, especially those with type 2 diabetes...
Some of us might be thrilled if we could manage our blood sugar by sitting in a hot tub or sauna, instead of working up a sweat biking, or using...
Cooking and baking with the ancient cereal grain sorghum has health benefits for people with diabetes, and those with weight control issues....
When it comes to certain foods, there are always questions as to whether or not a diabetic can have them without...
Matcha tea is a rich, creamy, full-bodied beverage with amazing nutritional properties that address several diabetes health concerns.
The...
Salads are good example of foods that type 2 diabetics can enjoy with relatively low guilt. With the right greens and other elements added, salad...
Remaining gainfully employed is important to many people. Those who live with any form of diabetes may find that some lines of work are more...
Learning that you have diabetes does mean making some lifestyle changes. One of the areas that needs attention is your diet. Most people find that...
One of the more challenging aspects of life as a type 2 diabetic is managing your diet. There’s often the temptation to avoid certain foods...