Did you know?
Fact: According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the average amount of trans fats eaten in a typical day has remained the same since the 1960s. Yet during that time, we've gained more than seven years in life expectancy.
Fact: Emerging science indicates that trans fats contain a compound called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has demonstrated beneficial health effects, including fighting cancer, enhancing immunity, and decreasing artery-clogging plaque.
Fact: Twenty-five percent of trans fats in a normal diet come from natural sources.
Fact: According to New York Times science reporter Gina Kolata: "The National Academy of Sciences, the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and the Food and Drug Administration have all come to the same conclusion: Trans fats are on a par with saturated fats, like butter or lard. Both increase cholesterol levels and most people would be better off if they ate less of all of them."
Fact: Low-fat diets lower levels of HDL—the so-called "good cholesterol"—much more than diets high in trans fats.
Fact: The Food and Drug Administration warns against totally eliminating trans fats from your diet, because they are present in so many foods that provide essential nutrients.