We might get an extra helping hand if the decision is made to label trans fats on food labels later this month (as seen here) . I think its a great idea but there may also need to be more education on these types of fat as we as New Zealanders still seem to be confused on different types of fats.
With such an onslaught of "FAT IS BAD!" many people still have the idea that all fat is bad when in fact we know that some fats are indeed healthier than others. Most will know that saturated fat is bad in that it increases the levels of LDL cholesterol (the type which tends to sit in and clog up your arteries).
Trans fats are thought to be even worse than saturated fats because they have been hydrogenated. The fat is usually cooked at a very high temperature which causes its chemical structure to change (and not for the better!). They are generally used in bakery products, pastries and foods which need to stay fresher for longer.
But would labelling the trans fats cause us to decrease our intake? I'm not entirely sure... I know as an avid label reader (+ its a vital part of my job!) I would love to know exactly how much trans fats are in foods so I can make a better choice but I'm not convinced that everyone will. Maybe what we need is more education at the same time to show people why they need to decrease their intake of them. I'd love to know your thoughts... would it make you eat less or not worry at all?
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Personally I'd go for options with lower trans fats if it was on the label (I already do but I think about what I eat), and I think with the right education everyone would. But as you know, we'd have to overcome the generic 'all fats are bad' belief society has had drilled in to it to get people to understand there are different fats and some are good. Given anyone reading this article probably has an interest in health and food labels, I'd be surprised if anyone who comments would say it wouldn't make a difference to them...
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