AMA Wants Nationwide Ban on Trans Fats
You’ve no doubt heard how horrible trans fats are for your diet, not to mention your arteries. Basically, trans fats are created when hydrogen is added to a liquid fat, creating something close to the texture of margarine. They are used mostly in baked goods such as donuts, muffins, and even crackers.
Lately, many companies have made an effort to cut trans fats from their products, but do you think businesses should be forced to do so?
In a meeting on Monday, the American Medical Association decided to support legislation that would ban trans fats in food served in restaurants and bakeries nationwide. If you think the move sounds radical and unlikely to pass, think again. Earlier this year, New York City and California passed similar bans without much protest.
The AMA states that trans fats contribute to a premature death in up to 100,000 people per year in the United States.
Still, do you think it’s right to pass a law that dictates what a restaurant or bakery can and cannot serve? Or, do you think it should be up to consumers to know the risks associated with consumption…such as with cigarettes and alcohol?
Let me know what you think!
Tags: AMA, healthy eating, trans fats, weight gain, weight lossRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Healthy Eating, In The News
2 opinions for AMA Wants Nationwide Ban on Trans Fats
Ellie
Nov 13, 2008 at 9:10 am
There’s a ban on trans fats here in NYC, and some foods don’t taste exactly the same anymore, like cookies and cakes, but honestly, I shouldn’t be eating them anyway!
I guess the change is a good way to help spur people to make other food choices. Now, I’ll eat a piece of fruit because the cookies and cakes just are a wee bit icky. :-)
Diane Penna
Nov 13, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Ellie - You make a good point! Foods without the trans fats will taste differently, and maybe that’s the change needed for people to realize those products aren’t that great tasting after all. Here’s hoping everyone else goes for the fruit, too!
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