Trans fat, also known as trans-fatty acids, are unsaturated fatty acids obtained naturally fromruminant animals such as cows, sheep, or goats and dairy products such as milk and cheese or through industrial processing of food items. Industrially-produced trans fatis commonly seen in the crowd'sfavorite deep-fried foods such as French fries, donuts, fried chicken, and baked goods like cakes, muffins, cookies, crackers, pie crusts, and processed foods.
Though trans fat contributes to the overall quality of food, its high consumption will lead to increased low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol levels causing fatty plaque build-up in the arteries. As reported by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), ischemic heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and coronary heart disease are the top leading cause of mortality in the Philippines for the year 2020 with 99,680 cases or 17.3%. In addition, trans fat elevates the vulnerability of developing non-communicable diseases such as stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity.
Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils found in processed foods are the largest source of trans fats. We can eliminate them without changing the taste and cost of our food. And, definitely will be beneficial for our health, reducing our risks to cardiovascular diseases. Below are ways that can help us avoiding trans fatty acids:
- Always read nutrition facts and labels. Choose foods with lower saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol. Avoid foods that have any partially hydrogenated items on their ingredients list.
- Replace saturated and trans fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as olive, canola, soybean, corn, and sunflower oil. These monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats do not raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and have health benefits when used in moderation.
- Limit consumption of commercially fried foods and baked goods like fries, pizza, doughnuts, cookies, and muffins. These foods are usually made with shortening or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
- Reduce consumption of processed foods – the most effective way to avoid trans fat. Prepare and cook trans fat-free meals and snacks for your family in the convenience of your home.
In the Philippines, regulation on the use of trans fatty acids is not that much-given importance, and its effects on our health are not widely disseminated. But on 15 December 2020, a big step was done by our legislators in addressing the manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale of food and products high in trans-fatty acids.
Senator Francis Pangilinan introduced the Senate Bill 1954, an Act to Protect Filipinos from the Harmful Effects of Trans Fatty Acids, and for Other Purposes or shall be known as Trans-Fat Free Philippines Act.
The bill aims to recognize the right of people to safe and nutritious food, free from substances like trans fatty acids (TFA) that increase their risk of contracting deadly diseases. It shall protect Filipinos from the threat of death and diseases linked to trans-fat consumption by removing industrially produced TFA from the food supply.
Passing this bill will greatly benefit the Filipinos in living a healthy life away from the chronic diseases brought by trans fatty acids.To achieve healthier hearts for healthier Filipinos, NNC MIMAROPA joins the #TransFatFreePhilippines movement with advocacy to eliminate industrial-produced trans fat in the Philippines by 2023.
(BLVME/NKSL)
Sources:
American Health Association (2017). Trans fat. Accessed from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/trans-fat
Philippine Statistics Authority (2021). Causes of Deaths in the Philippines (Preliminary): January to December 2020. Accessed from https://psa.gov.ph/content/causes-deaths-philippines-preliminary-january-december-2020
Senate Bill 1954. (2020). Retrieved from: https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/3417430974!.pdf
Trans Fat Free Philippines (n.d.) Accessed from https://transfatfreephilippines.org/
Trans Fat. (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/trans-fat
United States Food and Drug Administration. (2013). Revealing trans fats. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration
