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Monday, January 08, 2007

Massachusetts Next To BanTrans Fat?

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As New York goes, so goes Massachusetts!

New York City did it. Now, the trans fat rebellion is moving north. This time around the revolutionaries will be dumping something else into the Boston Harbor. Here's a comment from eDiets' Chief Nutritionist Susan Burke:

When New York City passed trans fat-free regulations last year, eDiets applauded. Michael Bloomberg for president! New York's Department of Health drew a line in the sand and said that all restaurants would have to eliminate trans fat-laden hydrogenated fat from their cooking oil, a good move for consumers. Hydrogenated fats originally became popular because they're more stable than unhydrogenated oils, an inexpensive alternative for restaurants and food manufacturers. But, scientists have shown that like saturated fat, trans fat increases 'bad' LDL cholesterol. But unlike saturated fat, trans fat also lowers 'good' HDL cholesterol, a 'double whammy' increasing risk for heart disease.

Massachusetts takes a mighty step toward good health for its citizens by proposing a state-wide ban. Taking the first step, as one state in 50, we applaud their commitment to health. After all, Denmark banned all trans fat years ago, and sales of fried fast food continues as briskly as before the shortening ban. Other countries are taking steps to protect citizen's health: Canada is considering a total ban of trans fat; the European Union is debating legislative action too.

The Democrats are in control of Congress, and Nancy Pelosi has banned cigarette smoking from inside the House lobby. Perhaps we're entering an age of science and technology: we know what's killing us--let's help consumers stay healthy by prohibiting known poisons: yes...promote and support healthy behaviors. Oh, and don't forget: Just because it says "trans fat-free" doesn't mean it's calorie-free. Switching to trans fat-free oils is a positive step, but fried food is high in fat calories, so choose baked, grilled or broiled instead; leave the mayo and butter off the bun; increase your veggies and fruit; read the nutrition facts and ingredient labels!
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