On September 17th, 2018, Health Canada announced a ban on the use of industrially produced trans fats in foods. The ban is a part of a global health initiative to reduce the risk of heart disease. In Canada, heart disease affects more than 2.4 million people and is the 2nd leading cause of death.
In the fight against heart disease, trans fats have taken centre stage because of their potential to affect plaque formation in blood vessels, which blocks blood flow and can result in a heart attack or stroke. Trans fats were used as an alternative to butter to add flavour and extend the shelf life of various products including hard margarines, potato chips, deep-fried foods, and commercially baked goods. By eliminating this fat from all foods sold in Canada, the risk of heart disease in the general population is expected to decrease.
Despite the introduction of a ban, you may still see trans fats appear on nutritional facts tables for two reasons:
The ban only applies to foods made after September 18, 2018. Any foods made before this date that contain trans fats can continue to be sold within a two year period, and,
The ban only affects the addition of industrially produced trans fats, not those that are naturally occurring.
To reduce your intake of trans fats, consult the nutrition facts table found on almost all packaged foods and choose foods with the lowest amount of trans fats. Foods with a % daily value of less than 5% for saturated and trans fats are considered low in fat. Additionally, limit your consumption of foods that contain naturally occurring trans fats such as beef, lamb, milk, and cheese.
In addition to reducing your intake of trans fats, there are a number of other ways to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Choose foods low in saturated fat more often, such as lean meats or lower fat dairy products
Increase your fibre intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products
Be smoke-free
Engage in physical activity
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
Limit alcohol use
Reduce stress
By following the above health tips, you may also reduce your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes, all of which can affect your risk of heart disease.
To learn more about what you can do you reduce your risk of heart disease or how to incorporate the above suggestions in your daily life, book a nutrition consultation with Registered Dietitian Brittany Trueman today!
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