Canada to say goodbye to trans fat

By Torcia Velthuizen

As the Canadian government gets ready to legalize marijuana in the next year, there is another substance that will become illegal and has many health experts applauding the decision.

As of Sept. 15, 2018, any food items containing trans fats will be illegal to produce and sell across Canada.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, “A high consumption of trans fats leads to a threefold increase in risk of heart disease and is responsible for thousands of cardiac deaths every year in Canada. These dangerous fats are found in hard margarines, commercially fried foods and bakery products.” The fats also have the right consistency to replace animal fats at a reduced cost.

According to Health Canada, trans fats are the main cause of low density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as LDL cholesterol.

“As minister of health, I am pleased to deliver on our government’s commitment to promote public health and make it easier for all Canadians to choose healthier foods,” said Ginette Petitpas Taylor, the minister of health.

“Eliminating the main source of industrially produced trans fat from the food supply is a major accomplishment and a strong new measure that will help to protect the health of Canadians.”

Gabrielle Plienegger, nursing student at St. Clair College has learned LDL cholesterol is bad for the body.

“Cholesterol travels through your blood stream and is made of fat and protein but it isn’t like the fat that makes you gain weight,” said Plienegger.

She said LDL cholesterol is considered the bad cholesterol because it adds to fat buildups in arteries. When the arteries become clogged, it can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

According to information from the Heart and Stroke Foundation, approximately 40,000 Canadians have a heart attack each year. There is only a 10 per cent chance of survival if the cardiac arrest occurs outside a hospital.

The ban will take place next year to allow companies time to adjust and find an alternative to the trans fats.