In 2010, California becomes the first state to ban trans fat from restaurants and bakeries. While New York and Boston have similar laws.

I have stopped eating many food that contain trans fat. Trans fat raises your bad LDL cholesterol and lowers your good HDL cholesterol. Trans fat is also called hydrogenated fats. It’s usually added to processed and packaged baked goods to extend shelf life. More money in seller’s pocket, bad health for consumer.

Last time I was at the grocery store and picked up a box of “Butter Croissant”. But soon put it back when the the ingredients listed partially hydrogenated oil instead.

This is the way a croissant should be made, with real butter!  It’s great as sandwich bread or with a bit of jam. Photo from Gunn’s Bakery.

Trans fat (hydrogenated oil) has been disguise as “healthy” fat substitute for a long time. The commonly used butter substitute is margarine and Crisco.

We have been mislead to think it’s better then butter. We are much better off cooking with real butter or lard (popular in Mexican food) then with margarine. And it taste better too!

Here is an excerpt of “The Skinny on Fats” written by Mary G. Enig, PhD and Sally Fallon:

” Instead of being eliminated, trans fats are incorporated into cell membranes as if they were cis fats—your cells actually become partially hydrogenated! Once in place, trans fatty acids with their misplaced hydrogen atoms wreak havoc in cell metabolism because chemical reactions can only take place when electrons in the cell membranes are in certain arrangements or patterns, which the hydrogenation process has disturbed.”

Trans fat lead to poor health such as heart disease and other metabolism problems. To have a healthier lifestyle, please avoid consuming trans fat.

The SF Gate reports:

Bakeries have a year longer to comply with the new ban, presumably because it would take more time for them to come up with formulations that maintain the same texture and taste in their products.

Fines of $25 to $1,000 for violations.

Larger restaurant chains, such as Taco Bell, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald’s as well as large up-scale restaurants transitioned into healthier alternatives before the passing of the bill.

I just wonder how will they enforce such a law at all the restaurants? According to the Sacramento Press, “The Environmental Management Department will continue to conduct inspections three times a year. They are not planning on increasing that number. Instead, the department will incorporate the new trans fat regulations into its inspection process.”

Looks like a tough task.  But it’s a start to more healthy food options.

Mayo Clinic: Trans fat is double trouble for your heart health