Trans fat they are triglycerides that present fatty acids unsaturated substances that have at least one double bond in the trans configuration. These fats are found in large quantities in some processed foods and can be dangerous as they can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and others cardiovascular problems.
They are used in processed foods to ensure, for example, improved flavor and longer shelf life. In Brazil, new rules establish that these fats are banned for use in food.
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what are trans fats?
Before we define trans fat,we need to understand what the lipids. Lipidsthey are biological molecules, insoluble in Water, formed from fatty acids and alcohol. Although lipids are not soluble in water, they are capable of dissolving in organic solvents such as benzene and ether.
The term fat is generally used to refer to a class of lipids. Fats are formed by the union of three fatty acids to a molecule of glycerol. Another name for them is triglycerides. Usually, the term fat refers to triglycerides that, at room temperature, are in a solid state. The term oil is used for triglycerides that are liquid at room temperature.
In the context of nutrition, it is common to use the terms saturated fats and unsaturated fats. They refer to the structure of the hydrocarbon chains of the fatty acids that make up the molecule. Those that do not have double bonds between the atoms of carbon of the chain are called saturated.
When there is one or more double bonds, we have an unsaturated fat. Most animal fats are saturated and solid at room temperature, like lard and butter. Plant and fish fats are generally unsaturated and liquid at room temperature and therefore, as mentioned, are called oils.
According to the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), the trans fats “comprise triglycerides that contain unsaturated fatty acids with at least one double bond in the trans configuration”. Also according to the Agency, these fats can be found in small amounts in foods derived from ruminant animals and in foods of industrial origin.
Why are transfats used in processed foods?
Trans fats are often found in processed foods. According to the Brazilian Institute for Consumer Protection (Idec), trans fatcan occur naturally or be produced through technological processes. Also according to the Institute, "for its production, the liquid oil is transformed into solid fat, providing, for a low cost, greater crunchiness, flavor and shelf life to the products".
Among the foods that have trans fat, we can mention processed foods with addition of partially hydrogenated fat, such as microwave popcorn, margarine, instant pasta, ready-to-eat cakes, tortilla chips, chocolates, ice cream and cookies.
We must also mention that the majority of refined oils it has trans fat, even in small amounts. Therefore, foods with the addition of these oils or fried foods are also sources of trans fat.. It is noteworthy that, as mentioned, food derived from ruminant animals have small amounts of this fat.
Use of trans-industrial fat in foods in Brazil
RDC No. 332, of December 23, 2019, defines the requirements for the use of industrial trans fats in foods in Brazil. The purpose of this resolution is limit this use until it is banned in 2023. It is worth noting that transfat can still be used for industrial purposes. See what the resolution says:
Art. 5 As of July 1, 2021, the amount of industrial trans fats in refined oils cannot exceed 2 grams per 100 grams of total fat.
Art. 6th Between July 1, 2021 and January 1, 2023, the amount of industrial trans fats cannot exceed 2 grams per 100 grams of total fat in foods intended for the final consumer and in foods intended for food services.
Single paragraph. The provisions of the caput do not apply to products intended exclusively for industrial processing that contain industrial trans fats in their composition, provided that information is provided on labels, documents accompanying the products or by other means agreed between the parties. regarding the:
I - total amount of industrial trans fats in grams per 100 grams of the product;
II - total amount of industrial trans fats in grams per 100 grams of total fat in the product; and
III - presence of partially hydrogenated oils and fats.
Are trans fats bad for your health?
Trans fats can damage our health, being mainly related to the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, heart attack and spill. These fats are responsible for raising the level of LDL, a lipoprotein also known as “cholesterol bad” and lower levels of HDL, the “good cholesterol”.
Due to the harm caused to health, it is essential that, before buying any food, we observe the nutritional information on the package. In this information, we can identify the presence or absence of trans fat.Idec, however, warns that if the amount of trans fat is equal to or less than 0.2 grams per serving of food, it can be declared as zero in the nutritional table.
Read too: HDL and LDL - lipoproteins that guarantee the circulation of cholesterol in our body
Is all fat bad?
It is common for people to use the term fat as a synonym for lipid, and the fact that these biological molecules are harmful to our health is often highlighted. Although excessive consumption can trigger damage and the consumption of trans fats is related, for example, to the development of atherosclerosis, we must not consider all the lipids like villains.
Lipids perform a series of important and essential functions for our survival. Among these functions, we can quote:
They function as a source of energy;
They are components of the membranes cell phones;
They act as insulators, helping to conduct the nervous impulse;
Prevent the loss of heat;
Protect from mechanical shock;
Assist in the absorption of vitamins.
By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher
