I have a question about trans-fats?

Question

Ok, I am 13 years old and i am a girl, I am 5'5 and weigh 115 pounds, now I do not think I am overweight, I seem pretty healthy but lately I have noticed that i have been eating quite a bit of trans-fats lately, as well as saturated fats, I know these are so bad. I have a few questions that I hope some can answer..:

1.What do saturated and trans- fats do to your body?

2.I know they are terrible and I am starting a new healthier food choice lifestyle, but I notice that so many foods have trans-fats, what can i do?

3. Now i am only 13 and people have eaten way, way worse than me before and live long as well, but I want to know if I eat healthy from now on(and I am very willing to) is it possible for me to get back to really good, well better than now health?

4.Is it too late? I mean i will go eat healthier things and cut down on these fats, but will I get healthier, or will the saturated and trans-fats stay in me?

5. And last are there any saturated and/ or trans-fats in any natural foods, like fruits veggies, dairy?

I am scared I will get heart disease and any support, and tips on how to get better, and healthier will be great. But one more thing..i am starting a new excersise plan , before i didnt do a lot, for the past 2 weeks i have done a lot..Will all my will power and change for a healthier lifestyle be benificial?

thanks, i know its a lot to ask, but i really want to change.THANKS A LOT :)

Answer 1

Trans fats are supposed to be the worst fats there are and they are often used as preservatives in cakes, cookies and biscuits and other foods.  They are hydrogenated unsaturated fats.  Saturated fats occur mainly in animal fats (including dairy products and eggs) but also in coconut oil and palm oil.

Saturated fats and trans fats can lead to high cholesterol, high blood pressure and lots of other health problems.

The fats in vegetables (except coconut oil and palm oil) are all unsaturated fats and these are actually good fats as they raise your good cholesterol (HDL) and lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower your overall cholesterol.  

If you want further information you can find lots of useful information in web searches for "trans fats" + health hazards", "saturated fats" + "health hazards" and "unsaturated fats" + "health benefits".

Answer 2

Don't worry ,it's not too late .Just make good choices ,like whole grain rice ,pasta and bread also. Stay away fron trans fats and saturated fats .A little once in a while is ok .

Answer 3

1.  Saturated fats are in things that are solid at room temperature.

These include butter, and fat you can see on meat.  

Trans fat is partially hydrogenated oil.  This is an oil that is made to preserve food a long long time.  It is why the shelf life of processed food is so long.  Hydrogenated oil is not recognizedd by the body and is not processed correctly. It can increase the risk of many diseases and is partially to blame for obesity in america.

2. Eat fresh or frozen as much as you can and avoid fast food as much as possible.  

3.  The body can heal itself remarkably well.  I ate badly for 39 years, and last year became more healthy than I have ever been just by reducing my body weight, changing eating habits and exercising more.  

4.  Never too late!  Saturated fat and trans fat do not 'stay in' the body.  Your body just cannot process them and converts them to fat.  

As you begin to eat healthier, your body will become more efficient at processing and you will feel better.  You havent been eating unhealthy for long, as you are only 13!  

5.  Saturated fats are in whole milk, butter and heavy cream.  

Transfats are only in processed foods, like crackers, cookies, shortening, and bread.  If the label says "partially hydrogenated oil" you know it contains trans fat.  

Fruit/veggies, particularly fresh or fresh frozen, contain only good for you nutrients and should be the primary part of your diet.  

you did not ask this, but another thing to watch for is high fructose corn syrup.  It is not recognized by the body as sugar, and is directly stored as fat.  It is not satisfying, as sugar might be, and one must drink or eat large quantities to be satisfied.  It is also partially to blame for high obesity rates in America.  It is in many sweet processed foods, especially soda.  So be careful.

Healthy habits now will assure you will be a healthy happy adult.  try to shop the outside aisles of the supermarket, and learn to like all types of veggies and fish.  Your future family will benefit as well.

hope this helps.  Good luck!