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The New Trans Fat Law

With this law, California became the first state in the nation to phase out the use of trans fats. In 2004, the 18 restaurants in the Bay Area town of Tiburon voluntarily stopped using trans fats in their cooking oils, making it the first American city to go trans fat-free.

"California is a leader in promoting health and nutrition, and I am pleased to continue that tradition by being the first state in the nation to phase out trans fats," Governor Schwarzenegger said today. "Consuming trans fat is linked to coronary heart disease, and today we are taking a strong step toward creating a healthier future for California."

The governor signed bill AB 97 authored by Assemblymember Tony Mendoza, a Norwalk Democrat. California businesses will have a window period to transition to healthy oils and products that are trans fat free or face fines that range from $25 to $1,000.

Other States "Weighing in"

New York City followed suit with a trans fat ban that began on July 1, 2008 with a three month grace period. It is a sure bet that many other states will follow suit.

About Trans Fat

Trans unsaturated fatty acids, or trans fats, are solid fats produced by heating liquid vegetable oils in the presence of metal catalysts and hydrogen. If a product's list of ingredients contains the words "partially hydrogenated" the product contains trans fats.

Trans fats are produced commercially in large quantities to harden vegetable oils into shortening and margarine to help extend product shelf life.

Trans fats lower HDL (good) cholesterol and increase LDL (bad) cholesterol, They increase rigidity and clogging of arteries, cause insulin resistance, heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Ity can also lead to  other health problems, expecially obesity.

Obesity Epidemic  Linked Trans Fats

The number of adults classified as obese is rising at a alarming rate. Part of the blame can be linked to the increasing consumption of process foods containing saturated and trans fats.  Obesity  is linked to several life shortening diseases and conditions including but not limited to: 

• congestive heart failure
• colorectal cancer
• chronic renal failure
• erectile dysfunction
• heart disease
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• high blood cholesterol
• type 2 diabetes
• low back pain
• metabolic syndrome
• obstructive sleep apnea
• urinary incontinence
• osteoarthritis
• stroke

Trans Fats Increase Coronary Heart Disease 

In a study published in the British Medical Journal, researchers at Oxford University found that an increase of as little as 2 per cent in the consumption of common foods containing trans fatty acids can lead to a 23 per cent increase in coronary heart disease. 

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women. According to the American Heart Association, more than 15 million people have some form of the condition.  The following factors also increase your risk of CHD:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High LDL "bad" cholesterol
• Low HDL "good" cholesterol
• Menopause
• Not getting enough physical activity or exercise
• Obesity
• Smoking

Coronary heart disease is California's leading cause of death, and AB 97 will be a strong step toward removing this harmful substance from the foods that Californians purchase and consume, said the governor.

Coronary heart disease is California's leading cause of death, and AB 97 will be a strong step toward removing this harmful substance from the foods that Californians purchase and consume, said the governor.

Coronary heart disease is California's leading cause of death, and AB 97 will be a strong step toward removing this harmful substance from the foods that Californians purchase and consume, said the governor.

Eliminate Trans Fats for Healthier Heart

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, eliminating artificial trans fats from the food supply could prevent between six and 19 percent of heart attacks and related deaths each year.  

Trans Fat Puts Our Children at Risk

Research conducted at the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that children who develop unhealthy eating habits will be consuming trans fats in life will develop heart disease sooner than other children. Therefore it is very important that we teach our children the importance of healthy eating.  

American Heart Association Dietary Fat Guidelines

According to the American Heart Association, trans fat should make up less than one percent of calories for Americans over two years old.

Another major change in the dietary recommendations is a lower goal for saturated fat - from less than 10 percent to less than seven percent - and establishing a goal for trans fatty acids of less than one percent of total calories according to a 2006 American Heart Association statement.

Healthier Future for America Looks Bright

Now several communities have jumped onto the ban trans fats bandwagon, including Philadelphia and Boston.  It is about time the nation looks at healthy eating.