Revealing Trans Fats

Explores the dangerous physical and mental effects on your body when taking in too many trans fats.

The Food and Drug Administration has until January 1, 2006, to disclose trans fat content on all nutrition labels. Medical writer Mitchell provides that information now in this first reliable buying guide that identifies which foods contain trans fats and teaches consumers how to uncover hidden trans fats in their favorite foods. Original.

This engrossing look at the hidden dangers in your food will have students thinking twice about relying on packaged and fast foods. Readers learn about fats (fatty acids, unsaturated fats, saturated fats, and trans fats). The book’s content focuses on trans fats: where they come from, how they are produced, and their health aspects, and the recent attempt to eliminate trans fats from cooking and processing. Why we chose to publish this book: Trans fats lurk where we least expect them in our food. With the number of overweight and obese children rising in the U.S. today, the increased incidence of diabetes in children, young people’s more sedentary lifestyle, kids are eating more fast food that contains trans fats. The federal and state governments are working to eliminate trans fats from our foods and to recommend healthier foods at home and at school. Rosen’s series will help to guide students on their path to healthy meals and physical wellbeing.

Responding to government regulations that require declaration of the amount of trans fat present in foods, Trans Fats Alternatives provides cutting-edge research and insights into this major industry issue. With contributions from major fats and oils suppliers, including Aarhus, ADM, Bunge, Cargill, Loders Croklaan, and Premium Vegetable Oils, the book covers the new regulations in detail, includes methods to analyze for trans fat, explores consumer reaction to trans fat labeling, discusses the nutrition facts, and supplies approaches to trans fat replacement/reformulation. It an indispensable guide for everyone who is interested in trans fats.

Trans fatty acids (TFAs) have been used for many years to impart desirable physical characteristics to fats and fat blends used in food manufacturing. However, clinical trials and epidemiological studies conducted over the last thirty years have shown that TFAs can increase “bad” cholesterol levels in the blood while reducing “good” cholesterol. Accordingly, they are also linked with increased risks of coronary heart disease, thrombosis and strokes. For this reason, the food industry has been obliged to find alternatives to TFAs, thus enabling it to meet the presumed consumer demand for “low” or “no” trans fats products. The issue is becoming more and more pressing. For example, US labelling regulations now require that food manufacturers state the trans fat content of their products on the packaging. This book provides an overview of trans fatty acids in oils and fats used in food manufacture. Topics covered include: the chemistry and occurrence of TFAs; analytical methods for determining the fatty acid composition including TFAs of foods; processing techniques for reducing, minimising or even avoiding the formation of TFAs; TFA alternatives in food; health and nutrition concerns and legislative aspects. It is directed at chemists and technologists working in edible oils and fats processing and product development; food scientists and technologists; analytical chemists and nutritionists working in the food industry.