No More Shelf Life

 

By Suraj Sasi

Retailers have two years to get rid of trans fat in food, as Canada institutes a ban on the preservative.

Health care workers and consumers are applauding the governments action.

Jeff Bunde, 41, is a parent of two and worked at a grocery store.

“I do approve of the decision government took to ban trans-fat,” said Bunde.

According to Bunde it is absolutely important for parents to educate their children about what they should be eating, do a lot of research related to types of fat and encourage them to exercise regularly.

Bunde said when he worked at the store there were some products without trans-fat as an ingredient and they did not sit on the shelf for long.

The ban is also welcomed by a local dietitian Andrea Docherty.

Docherty said these facts were known for quite some time and what negative effects they have on our heart.

Docherty explained these artificial fats are made by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil creating partially hydrogenated oil. These oils can cause inflammation, leading to clogged arteries which can cause heart attacks.

Docherty also said studies show banning trans-fat will help prevent around 12,000 deaths of Canadians over the next 20 years.

According to the law, anything produced or created after Sept.17 is not allowed to contain trans-fat.

“Some food on the shelves that do have trans fats in them but retailers have been given two years to clear out those foods,” said Docherty.

As a dietitian, Docherty wants people to adopt a healthier lifestyle by eating more fibre from fruits and vegetables.

Eating more plant-based proteins instead of eating more beef, chicken and pork can lower the LDL or the bad cholesterol levels said Docherty.

According to Docherty, the omega-3 fatty acids are shown to lower the chances of heart diseases said Docherty. “Try to vary it up by eating fish, seeds and nuts,” said Docherty. “Consuming fish two or three times a week is enough to get omega-3 acids.”

One of the well-known diets helping people deal with bad cholesterol is the Mediterranean diet. Docherty explained the Mediterranean diet is plant based, has no animal protein and emphasizes healthy fats which can be found in extra virgin olive oil and avacado.

“Teenagers and young adults can opt for healthier snacks, which includes homemade granola bars, fruit, yogurt, hummus with vegetables or apple dipped in peanut butter, which can help reduce trans-fat,” said Docherty.