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Dangers of trans fatty acids
In a review article published in the New England Journal of Medicine on April 13, 2006, the researchers detail evidence linking trans fats consumption to increased risk of coronary heart disease, sudden cardiac death, and diabetes. Trans fats from partially hydrogenated oils have harmful effects on blood lipids, promote inflammation, and cause blood-vessel abnormalities, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
Even very small amounts of trans fat in the diet can have deleterious health effects. A combined analysis of multiple studies showed that for every 2 percent of calories consumed from trans fat, the risk of coronary heart disease increases by 23 percent. For someone who consumes a 2,000 calorie per day diet, 2 percent of total calories represents just 40 calories of trans fats--about the amount found in a medium order of fast-food French fries. Eliminating trans fats from the U.S. food supply could prevent between 6 and 19 percent of heart attacks and related deaths each year--a staggering number, given that there are 1.2 million heart attacks and related deaths in the U.S. annually.
For more information on how to incorporate polyunstaurated fatty acids into your child's diet, please contact cherie@myvitality.com.au for a factsheet
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