Say goodbye to trans fats and put calorie counts on chain stores

It is the last month of the year again. December is the best time to review the news of 2013. The American magazine "TIME" has compiled the top 10 news of 2013. In terms of weight loss nutrition knowledge, in addition to the development of low-fat chocolate and low-calorie French fries, new fitness concepts for pregnant women, etc., in terms of major dietary changes, the US FDA took the lead in proposing a proposal to ban trans fats.

Donuts are a food that is potentially high in trans fats. (Photo/taken from the American "TIME")

[Top 10 Nutritional Knowledge for Weight Loss in 2013]:

The end of trans fats

Trans fats found in processed foods such as desserts and snacks can extend the shelf life of food and enhance the taste of food. However, they are also one of the factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In view of this, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a proposal to ban trans fats in processed foods in the future to reduce the chances of Americans suffering from heart disease and dying from cardiovascular disease.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that donuts, cookies, popcorn, frozen pizza, coffee milk balls, frozen desserts, canned raw material formulas, etc. are all foods that often contain trans fats. If consumed in excess, they may lead to an increase in bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein LDL) in the blood. Bad cholesterol is the biggest risk factor for coronary heart disease, and according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans.

In addition to being found on regular foods, calorie counts are now also found on many restaurant menus to remind people not to consume too many calories. (Photography by Luo Shihua)

Catering industry must clearly label calorie analysis

Starting next year, more than 20 restaurant chains in the United States will be required to add a calorie table for each item on their menus. This is to allow consumers to consider the amount of calories they will consume before ordering, and to remind people to control their calories.

But does this trick really work? The report, published in the American Journal of Public Health, surveyed 1,100 customers at McDonald's restaurants in New York City and found that even if people did see the calorie meter, it did not change the way they ordered or the amount they ate.

Despite this, fast food companies are still willing to switch to offering more low-calorie options in an attempt to capture women who are afraid of getting fat or people who are calorie-conscious. Chains like Starbucks, McDonald's and Wendy's have added calorie meters to their menus.

★ Metabolism of trans fat depends on eating more fiber