4 October 2009 / TODAY'S ZAMAN WITH WIRES , İSTANBUL
Professor Faruk Yorulmaz from the faculty of medicine at Trakya University notes the importance of being aware of the risks associated with consuming processed oils and fats, underscoring the fact that unnatural trans fats increase the level of bad cholesterol and the likelihood of developing blood clots, leading to a higher rate of heart attacks.
Dr. Yorulmaz notes that trans fats can be found in oils used for frying and certain breakfast spreads, such as margarine, as well as in fried foods, packaged foods, baked goods, cakes, biscuits, pizza dough, chocolate, chips, salad dressing, pre-prepared frozen meats and many kinds of desserts. Yorulmaz underlined that consumers need to read the list of ingredients whenever purchasing food. He also added this suggestion: "Don't buy food that does not have a list of ingredients or which lists ingredients such as ‘hydrogenated oil' or ‘hydrogenated vegetable oil.' When eating out, always try to choose places that are clean and serve quality food, and try to stay away from fried foods.” “Studies show that in fact as long as people do not consume too much natural trans fats too often, there is no harm to the body. In fact, to the contrary, [natural] trans fats can be beneficial. But these days people consume too much trans fat.” YorulmazWhy natural fat is not harmful
Dr. Yorulmaz explained some of the differences between natural trans fats and unnatural trans fats. “Unnatural trans fats are harmful to our bodies since they are foreign to our systems. These are trans fats that increase bad cholesterol, reduce good cholesterol and increase the chances of blood clots and thus heart attacks. They also weaken our natural immune systems and are very risky for people with diabetes. They have a negative effect on our livers and affect the reproductive system as well. They even pass into a mother's milk, bringing down the quality and damaging cells. Studies show that high levels and frequent consumption of these trans fats can even lead to an early death.”