Trans fatty acids (TFA), also known as trans fat, are known as \”time bombs on the table\”. The main source is partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Partially hydrogenated oil has the advantages of high temperature resistance, not easy to deteriorate, and long storage time. It is commonly used in cakes, biscuits, quick-frozen pizza, French fries, popcorn and other foods.
The regulations on trans fat by the WHO and the competent authorities of various countries are also based on its impact on cardiovascular health. For example, WHO recommends that calories from trans fat should not exceed 1% of total food calories per day (roughly equivalent to 2 grams). China has adopted this target for assessment, while countries such as Britain and France have used 2% as a recommended standard. What needs to be pointed out in particular is that this is not a \”safety standard\”, it can only be regarded as a \”guidance\”. It does not mean that exceeding this amount is \”harmful\” and lower than this amount is \”safe\”, but it means \”less than this amount\” This amount brings acceptable risks.\” The goal we pursue should also be “as low as possible.”
On June 16, 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it would completely ban the use of artificial trans fats in food within three years to help reduce the incidence of heart disease.
Trans fatty acids are produced in hydrogenated fats and oils. They are abnormal products that are not found in the human body. The naturally occurring ratio of trans fatty acids is very small, and they are mainly found in dairy products and beef. Many studies have shown that increasing the intake of trans fatty acids can increase the level of low-density cholesterol and reduce the level of high-density cholesterol, thereby significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Trans fatty acids are more atherosclerotic than saturated fatty acids. Fatty acids are stronger.
In our daily meals, foreign fast food, fried potato chips, baked goods and other commercially processed foods contain a certain amount of trans fatty acids. Regular consumption of these foods may cause cancer.
