As the Studies Turn... This Study Stopped Turning!

It's finally in. The comprehensive study that was part of an eight-year process to determine if trans fats (the artificial fat created by hydrogenating edible oils) should be listed on nutrition labels. Late Wednesday, July 11, the National Academy of Sciences released a study that concluded there is no safe level of trans fat in the diet and people should eat as little of it as possible.

The problem with this is that hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oils are in over 40% of the processed food in the conventional grocery store. Most margarine and shortening, such as Crisco, are made from hydrogenated oils, and the oils are added to all sorts of conventional crackers, cakes, cookies and nut butters. (There is also a very small amount of trans fat in some meat and dairy products.)

According to the FDA, nutrition labeling about trans fats could prevent 7,600-17,100 cases of coronary heart disease and 2,500-5,600 deaths per year, because labeling would cause manufacturers to reduce the trans fat rather than have to list high amounts on the labels. It would also provide conscientious consumers another cue to help them shop healthfully.

We've warned for years about trans fats, a.k.a. hydrogenated oils. Though we carry a few products that contain hydrogenated oils, that was in response to customer demand. We strongly urge you to consider the place that trans fat has in your diet. Try using Spectrum Palm Shortening, for example, in place of Crisco. Palm oil has no trans fat, less saturated fat than butter, and has a pleasant, nutty flavor. There are several brands of vegetable oil spreads that can be used in place of margarine in the vegan diet (there are some margarine brands that clearly state "no hydrogenated oil" on the label). Become an avid label reader! At the Wedge, only a few cracker varieties and a few bulk candies list partially hydrogenated oils. In the conventional grocery world, you're on your own.