The New Trans Fat Replacement

Have you checked labels lately looking for hydrogenated oils? Did you notice something strange like interesterified oil as an ingredient? You probably wondered what that was just as I did when I first saw it. It is just another way to get around the trans fat labeling. Here is what it is. They are mixing an undisclosed portion of fully hydrogenated oil with liquid polyunsaturated oils and calling it “interesterfied oil”. The claim is that fully hydrogenated oil is healthier because there are less trans fats when added to polyunsaturated oil. However, the real reason is, of course, it looks so much better listed on the ingredient list than the partially hydrogenated fats, especially now that the general public is on to them.

No one can trust the label regarding trans fat anyway, since the FDA allows an amount less than 1 gram of fat per serving labeled as “no trans fat”. The serving size then becomes so ridiculously small so it is less than one gram. My advice is as always; avoid packaged and processed food. Use high quality unprocessed monounsaturated oils, and palm or coconut oils to replace shortening and butter in cooking. Yes, tropical oils are saturated but saturated vegetable oils do not cause an increase in cholesterol as does animal saturated fats. In fact, studies have shown the liver uses these fats to make HDL (the good cholesterol) and that is beneficial. High quality means heat, light and oxygen protected oils where the oil extraction method is by cold pressure. These oils are very fragile so be sure to protect them with refrigeration. Also, buy the smallest size that you can so you will use them quickly to avoid the possibility of oxidation and rancidity.

I hope this information has helped to clear away a few questions that you might have encountered with this very confusing subject. Not only is it confusing but also it seems to change on a regular basis. In addition, there seems to be a multitude of opinions on the subject, as well. It is hard to know exactly what truth is and what hype is. Like they say though, follow the money! The manufacturer of a product is probably a little biased and information geared more towards the sale and acceptance of the product. Someone who has no financial interest, one way or another, will give the best information.

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