Finally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sufficient evidence that trans fat is a risk to health. Trans fat’s primary source is found in partially hydrogenated oils and palm oil. Trans fat cause clogged arteries, and clogged arteries are a significant factor in heart disease. The Food and Drug Administration is demanding that food manufacturing companies decrease trans fat in their processed foods and finally eliminate trans fat by 2018.

For many years, food manufacturing companies have resisted phasing out trans fats. They claim that reducing or eliminating trans fat actually change the taste of the food, and their customers like the taste of foods made with trans fat. While food companies resist removing trans fat, they have not been able to counter the research finding that there are negative health effects of trans fats. Current research by Skout finds that trans fat contributes to 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths a year, published in the journal of medicine article.

When buying processed foods, it is a good idea to check the label for trans fat and partially hydrogenated oils. Foods that are likely to have trans fats are candy, coffee creamer, packaged biscuits, frozen pizza, microwave popcorn, packaged cookies, pies and margarine.

A path to maintaining heart health is to eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Avoiding processed foods in general is a good idea. If possible, you should make meals from scratch with all fresh ingredients. Better yet, the ingredients should be organic.