My mother the other day called me and told me about an
article she read on transfats. Naturally the curiosity in me arose...every time
I buy a pack of biscuit, cereals or chips it reads “Trans Fat Free” or
"Zero TransFat" but I never payed heed in trying to understand the
reading in greater depth.
So what are Transfats? Transfats are formed during the
process of addition of hydrogen atoms to oils, and the food industry prefers as
it keeps the oil from turning rancid and ensures a longer shelf life. Then why
are they bad? Transfats are associated with a host of serious health problems
ranging from diabetes to heart disease to cancer. This should be reason enough
to regulate these substances.
The next time you indulge in Indian fried food (bhature, puri,
paratha and tikki) beware....they are sometimes even worse than the western
junk (French fries, pizzas etc).The myth that baked products are safer must go.
Biscuits, cookies contain butter and margarine which is a huge source of
transfat. The humble pakoda, the fancily packaged cakes, instant noodles,
low-fat bread spread, breaded snacks and ready to eat meals which are abundant in the
stores are equally high in transfat. Just avoid supermarket foods, frozen
items, cookies, cakes and cereals which are high on transfats.
In India the health ministry in 2008 announced that food
containing transfats should be labeled but no standard method is followed....so
overall this is of no use. No stringent laws govern labeling. As consumers we
are not prone to reading labels. The contents are specified in the smallest
font on the package.
If all this sounds alarming just return to the basics used
in your grandmother's or mother’s kitchen. Avoid vanaspatis and use oils in
moderation, and never ever reuse them after heating. Eliminate the visits to
hot chips, bakery’s and the fast food joints!!
Eat healthy, feed healthy …… stay healthy and keep our next
generation healthy.
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