Last updated 17/01/2024
It is common to hear about “bad” trans fats in the media, but it is important to find out the source of trans fats as there are different types with different health impacts. The health concerns relate to artificial trans fats that are produced during food manufacturing, such as high temperature cooking, as opposed to naturally occurring trans fats.1
Artificial trans fats have been shown to increase the level of “bad” cholesterol in your blood called low density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol, while also reducing “good” cholesterol levels called high density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol. This negative impact on your blood cholesterol levels, increases the risk factors for cardiovascular or heart disease.1
Artificial trans fats are found in some processed foods like snack foods (chips and crackers), baked goods (sweet biscuits and cakes) and fried foods. A sign there may be artificial trans fat in a product are the words ‘partially hydrogenated’ fats or oils in the ingredient list. If you are unsure of the trans fat levels in a product call the manufacturer’s consumer information line.
The naturally occurring trans fats in dairy foods, such as milk, should not be your concern. Dairy foods provide a package of more than 10 essential nutrients, yet it is estimated 8 out of 10 Australian adults are not getting enough of the milk, cheese, yoghurt and/or alternatives food group.2
