The Trans Fat Controversy
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The Trans Fat Controversy
Fiona B.Stephan
Felician College
July 9, 2010
NU408
Abstract
Trans fats are a cheap alternative to butter and other less harmful fats. Trans fats have been used in restaurants and fast food establishments for years with detrimental effects on our health. Trans fats contribute to cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, obesity and strokes. These fats are now banned in New York City and many other regions because they are so harmful. Some have concern that the government should not have a voice in what we put in our bodies, and don’t support the ban. Restaurants felt the switch to a safer fat would be costly. Our health is worth the cost and science has proven the ill effects of using trans fats over a lifetime.
The Trans Fat Controversy
Trans fat, a common ingredient, used in restaurants and fast foods establishments, has been the subject of controversy that has lead cities to ban the substance. New York City was the first city to legislate this ban, and many cities are following suit. Denmark is the only country to enact such a ban. New York City initiated this ban in December 2006, after the FDA began requiring labeling of trans fat in supermarket foods (Rosenberg, 12/2006, p. 1). The bans were enacted after studies proved trans fat adversely affects cholesterol levels, increases an individual’s chance of suffering a heart attack, and or stroke. Most individuals are in support of this ban, but there are others in our community who feel that it violates our right of choice. Some individuals feel that it violates our basic rights as Americans. Are we a free society? As adults, do we have the right to decide what foods we should eat?
There are four kinds of fats: monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, saturated fats, and trans fats. Mono-unsaturated fat and poly-unsaturated fat are the, “good” fats. Trans fat, which means trans fatty acids, is the worse kind, far worse...
Fiona B.Stephan
Felician College
July 9, 2010
NU408
Abstract
Trans fats are a cheap alternative to butter and other less harmful fats. Trans fats have been used in restaurants and fast food establishments for years with detrimental effects on our health. Trans fats contribute to cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, obesity and strokes. These fats are now banned in New York City and many other regions because they are so harmful. Some have concern that the government should not have a voice in what we put in our bodies, and don’t support the ban. Restaurants felt the switch to a safer fat would be costly. Our health is worth the cost and science has proven the ill effects of using trans fats over a lifetime.
The Trans Fat Controversy
Trans fat, a common ingredient, used in restaurants and fast foods establishments, has been the subject of controversy that has lead cities to ban the substance. New York City was the first city to legislate this ban, and many cities are following suit. Denmark is the only country to enact such a ban. New York City initiated this ban in December 2006, after the FDA began requiring labeling of trans fat in supermarket foods (Rosenberg, 12/2006, p. 1). The bans were enacted after studies proved trans fat adversely affects cholesterol levels, increases an individual’s chance of suffering a heart attack, and or stroke. Most individuals are in support of this ban, but there are others in our community who feel that it violates our right of choice. Some individuals feel that it violates our basic rights as Americans. Are we a free society? As adults, do we have the right to decide what foods we should eat?
There are four kinds of fats: monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, saturated fats, and trans fats. Mono-unsaturated fat and poly-unsaturated fat are the, “good” fats. Trans fat, which means trans fatty acids, is the worse kind, far worse...