By Kac Young PhD, ND, DCH

7 years ago the FDA began requiring all packaged foods to list trans fats on nutrition labels. We are beginning to see the results of the demise of trans fats now.

Most trans fats in our food supply are synthetic, created when unsaturated vegetable oils are infused with hydrogen. This gives the oils a semisolid consistency which helps sustain the shelf life of many processed foods. Synthetic trans fats raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and can dramatically increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

To comply with the FDA requirements some fast-food restaurants voluntarily removed trans fats in French fries, while legislature in California and New York City banned artificial trans fats in restaurants altogether.

And here’s where we observe the heart’s delight. According to a large study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, blood levels of trans fats decreased nearly 60 percent between 2000 and 2009, thanks to the removal of trans fats from many processed foods. Such a dramatic drop in blood trans fats “should help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Hubert Vesper, the study’s lead author.

This is thrilling news. Be aware that some supermarket and restaurant foods still contain harmful trans fats. Here are some examples to watch out for: cake mixes, biscuit, pancake and cornbread mixes, frostings, cakes, cookies, muffins, pies, donuts, crackers, peanut butter (except fresh-ground), frozen entrees and meals, frozen bakery products, toaster pastries, waffles, pancakes, most prepared frozen meats and fish (such as fish sticks), French fries, whipped toppings, margarines, shortening, instant mashed potatoes, taco shells, cocoa mix, and microwave popcorn. Be sure to read the labels and look for partially hydrogenated fats or oils. Keep in mind those products containing trans fats tend to be junk foods anyway, often high in calories, fat, and sodium. Eat fresh instead of packaged.

The American Heart Association advises that you get no more than 1 percent of your total daily calories from trans fats (that’s less than 2 grams a day for someone eating 2,000 calories a day).

You can make dramatic changes in your heart health by eliminating foods that contain trans fats, using only mono or poly unsaturated fats in your cooking, reducing the amount you use to 1-2 teaspoons per day and cutting back two- thirds of your daily use of sugar and salt. For more information about heart health and great foods go to: www.HeartEasy.com

– Kac Young , a former television director and producer, has earned a Ph.D. in Natural Health and is a Doctor of both Clinical Hypnotherapy and Naturopathy. She is the author 10 books. Heart Easy is a system of nutritionally sound, delicious meals that promote heart health, long life and taste great. Traditional recipes are turned into heart healthy meals that anyone can make. The health results are outstanding.

While earning her Ph.D. in Natural Health and a Doctorate in Naturopathy, she completed 36 courses in nutrition from Baylor University.

She also earned a doctorate in Clinical Hypnotherapy. Her practice includes, weight control, smoking cessation, behavior modification, stress reduction, past-life regression, meditation training and phobia management. Her books include: “Heart Easy, The Food Lover’s Guide to Heart Healthy Eating,” “Discover Your Spiritual Genius,” “Feng Shui the Easy Way,” “Dancing with the Moon,” “21 Days to the Love of Your Life,” “Gold Mind,” “Cheese Dome Power,” The Path to Fabulous,” “The Quick Guide to Bach Flower Remedies” and “Supreme Healing.”