Trans fatty acids (or trans fat) are fats found in foods such as vegetable shortening, some margarines, crackers, candies, baked goods, cookies, snack food, salad dressing, and many processed foods.

It is important to know about trans fat because there is a direct, proven relationship between diets high in trans fat content and LDL or bad cholesterol, and therefore, an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

All fats are NOT bad. There are good fats and bad ones, just like there is good and bad cholesterol. Saturated fats and trans fats have a bad effect on cholesterol levels. Polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, canola oil, soybean oil, and corn oil have good effects.

As far as how much trans fat is too much, it can be said that it is pervasive in many foods, but it is not “essential” to any healthy diet. Therefore, the less consumed, the better.

To know if a product contains trans fat, look at the ingredient list on the food label. If it contains the words “shortening,” “partially hydrogenated vegetable oil,” or “hydrogenated vegetable oil,” the food contains trans fat. Because ingredients are listed in descending order of predominance, smaller amounts are present when the ingredient is close to the end of the list.

So the lesson is READ LABELS, and be an informed consumer.

Source: FDA fact sheet - July 2003.

BLOOD DRIVE – November 13, 2005

Every day in the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area there is a need for 200 units of blood. When there is a catastrophe, such as Katrina, many people want to help by donating blood. The INOVA Blood Donor Services asks that persons donate to the local supply, so that WHEN and IF there is a need for the victims of the hurricane, there will be blood to send where it is needed. Thanks to everyone that has donated in the past, and please plan to give again to help any patient in need.

FLU SHOTS – October 16, 2005

Flu shots will be offered by INOVA COMMUNITY HEALTH, on October 16 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am in the Parish Hall. Those eligible for Medicare, will be reimbursed. More details to come in the bulletin.