Q&a Dangerous Fats Lurk in Seemingly Healthy Snacks

1. What is another name for "trans fatty acids"?

Trans fatty acids are also known as hydrogenated vegetable oil.

2. Why do manufacturers use trans fatty acids?

Trans fats make pastries flaky and cookies fresh tasting

3. What are some sources of trans fatty acids (i.e., foods that contain them)?

Prepared foods including granola bars, microwave popcorn, crackers and cookies contain trans fatty acids

4. Do most products currently list the amount of trans fatty acids that they contain? Explain.

Currently trans fats are mostly hidden from package labels. Food manufacturers won't have to show the amount in their products until January 2006.

5. What health risks appear to be related to the consumption of trans fatty acids?

Trans fats can clog arteries and lead to premature heart disease

6. How much trans fatty acids do Canadians consume on a daily basis? How does this compare with a "healthy" level recommended by scientists?

Canadians are among the biggest consumers of trans fats. We ingest on average 10 grams a day. In comparison as little as one gram of trans fat a day over a period of years can boost the risk of heart disease by as much as 20 percent.

7. a. How are trans "fats" created?

Trans fats are created by Bubbling hydrogen gas though vegetable oil at high temperatures.

b. What does this process (7a) do to the original substance?

This process changes the molecular structure of unsaturated liquid fats and transforms them into solid trans fatty acids.

8. How do trans fats compare with saturated fats in terms of the health risks?

A study done in the US concluded that trans fats are twice as bad as saturated fat.

9. a. What is LDL? HDL? How are they related to health problems?

Trans fats boost blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) that are also called "bad" cholesterol that can lay down fatty deposits in blood vessels. At the same time, they