Scientific understanding of trans fatty acids
With the rapid development of my country's oil and food industry, the per capita daily intake of oils (especially food-specific oils) will increase sharply. In the next few years, the per capita daily intake of trans fatty acids may exceed 1% of the total energy. Therefore, it is imperative to promote healthy consumption. In addition, it cannot be ruled out that the current high intake of trans fatty acids in some areas of our country or special populations (especially urban white-collar workers and young people). Therefore, we must be soberly aware of the hazards of trans fatty acids and the seriousness and urgency of the problems, and actively take countermeasures.
Trans fatty acids, especially those derived from hydrogenated oil, are harmful to the cardiovascular system. This is a clear conclusion.
But whether the harm is really caused or how much harm depends on the amount of trans fatty acid intake.A survey in 1999 showed that the per capita daily intake of trans fatty acids in 8 European countries was 2.4 grams for men and 2 grams for women. There is no evidence that this intake level is clearly related to cardiovascular disease.
It is unnecessary and impossible to completely eliminate trans fatty acids in the daily diet. In the dietary nutrition guidelines published by the American Academy of Medicine in 2005, saturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids and cholesterol may have an unknown effect on the inhibition of chronic diseases and need to maintain a certain level in the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also pointed out that it is almost impossible to completely eliminate trans fatty acids from the diet, especially the elimination of naturally occurring trans fatty acids in dairy products and meat products, which will lead to nutritional deficiencies and health risks.
Excessive reduction or substitution of trans fatty acids will inevitably increase the intake of saturated fatty acids, and its adverse health effects cannot be underestimated.
To reduce the impact of fat on health, we should not only consider reducing trans fatty acids, but more importantly, reducing the total amount of trans fatty acids and saturated fats in food. In fact, compared to trans fatty acids, excessive total fat intake leads to overweight residents and other negative health effects that are the bigger problems we are currently facing.
