Heart Research UK responds to the recommendations published in the British Medical Journal that food products containing trans fats should be clearly labelled.

Heart Research UK’s National Director Barbara Harpham said, “It is a great aspiration to have a healthier lifestyle for the nation but realistically, we can’t make people to do it just because the Government says so.  Clear food labelling, including information about trans fats, is something that Heart Research UK has been pushing for a long time and this will help people make the choice for themselves to eat healthily.  80% of heart disease could be prevented by living the right lifestyle and providing the right information so that people can make an informed choice is one step towards the Government’s aim of us living a healthier life.”

What are trans fats?

Trans fats are made during the process where vegetable oils are converted into semi-solid fats, and they are used in certain processed and fast foods. We all know that saturated fats are bad for the heart and trans fats are just as bad, with research suggesting that just 5 grammes of trans fat a day can increase the risk of coronary heart disease by 25%.

Why are they bad for your heart?

Trans fats raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol levels, increase blood lipid levels, promote inflammation, affect how your liver uses fat and increase fat deposits around your tummy, which all increase your risk of developing atherosclerosis, or furring up of the arteries. 80% of heart disease could be prevented by living the right lifestyle and providing the right information on food labels so that people can make an informed choice is one step towards the Government’s aim of us living a healthier life.

What should be done?

For more information about Heart Research UK contact us on 0113 234 7474