“Trans fatty acids” is a word you may have heard often, but can’t quite put your finger on what it is. Trans fatty acids are known as the “invisible killer in life”, and we eat them every day. So what are they and what are their dangers? What are trans fatty acids? Trans fatty acids are also known as trans fats, and there are two kinds of natural trans fats and artificial trans fats. Small amounts of natural trans fats are found in beef and lamb, milk and their products. The main source of artificial trans fats is partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. They are used in a large number of commercially available packaged foods and fried foods in restaurants because they add a crispy texture and are easy to store for a long time. A mouthful of trans fatty acids is equal to seven mouthfuls of oil, and trans fatty acids have the highest fattening effect. Researchers have calculated that under normal circumstances, people will indeed gain weight after eating more fats, but in the same amount, the “strength” of trans fatty acids to promote obesity is seven times the overall average effect of fats, and three to four times that of saturated fats. In other words, the effect of eating trans fatty acids on fattening is particularly strong, and eating 1 mouthful of trans fatty acids is equivalent to eating 7 mouthfuls of ordinary fats or 4 mouthfuls of fatty meat. Trans fatty acids are harmful 1, cause cardiovascular disease Trans fatty acids can raise LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and lower HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Scientific research has found that LDL is the culprit of cardiovascular diseases such as elevated blood pressure and atherosclerosis. 2, impair memory Increase the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in old age. In a survey of 1,000 healthy men under the age of 45, the American Heart Association found that subjects who consumed large amounts of trans fatty acids had the worst scores on word memory tests. This association persisted even after accounting for factors such as age, education level and depression. Foreign experts say that trans fatty acids do extend the shelf life of food, but at the same time the ‘shelf life’ of human health is then shortened.” 3, induce diabetes Excessive intake of trans fats lead to obesity, mainly concentrated in the “abdomen”, visceral fat will increase very quickly, that is, such people are particularly prone to “long stomach”! As we all know, abdominal obesity will increase the risk of hypertension, diabetes and other chronic diseases. 4, affect fertility trans fatty acids will reduce testosterone secretion, interrupt the generation of sperm in the body. The fetus through the placenta, newborn babies through breast milk can absorb trans fatty acids, which will affect the absorption of essential fatty acids. Trans fatty acids also have an adverse effect on the growth and development of the central nervous system in adolescents and inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins. Intake: Don’t exceed 2.2 grams per day The General Rules for Nutrition Labeling of Prepackaged Foods implemented by the Ministry of Health in 2013 stipulate that the daily intake of TFA should not exceed 2.2 grams. Let’s calculate, now the more popular ready-made milk tea, trans fatty acid content up to 4.65 grams / 100 grams. With one cup a day (about 150-200 grams), TFA greatly exceeds the upper limit of the daily intake limit. Recognize the disguise of trans fatty acids The appearance of “hydrogenated”, “refined”, “artificial”, “vegetable” and “shortening” in the ingredient list. Be alert when words such as “hydrogenated,” “refined,” “artificial,” “vegetable,” and “shortening” appear in the ingredient list. The higher the ranking of the following ingredients on the ingredient list, the higher the trans fat content is likely to be. 1. partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (including partially hydrogenated palm oil, soybean oil, etc.), hydrogenated vegetable oil, refined vegetable oil; 2. shortening, vegetable shortening, premium shortening, liquid shortening. There are many names of hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, margarine, hydrogenated oil, shortening, vegetable shortening, refined vegetable oil, vegetable butter, vegetable cream, cocoa butter substitute, phyllo, creamer, etc. All belong to hydrogenated vegetable oil, do not be confused by its name. Reminder: “zero anti” ≠ no ” “no additive” ≠ “does not contain” Ministry of Health in 2013 the implementation of the “general rules of pre-packaged food nutrition labeling Provisions, such as food ingredients containing or production process used hydrogenated and (or) partially hydrogenated fats and oils, must be marked in the food label nutrition factsheet trans fatty acid content. If the content of trans fatty acids in food is ≤0.3g/100g, it can be labeled as “0”, so don’t blindly believe in “zero trans”.