(NAPSA)—“Trans fatty acids” —or TFAs—are a hot topic in nutrition and consumers need to know the simple ABCs of TFAs to be sure they don’t lose out on the health benefits of many foods. A recent Gallup Poll showed that 31 percent of people are making an effort to reduce trans fatty acids in their diet. But, most people may not realize that all trans fatty acids, which are found in a variety of foods, are not created equal. Thereis a significant difference between man-made and naturally occurring trans fatty acids. “Man-made trans fatty acids found in snacks and fried foods act very differently than those that occur naturally in meat and dairy products,” said Martha Belury, Ph.D., R.D., member of the Council for Women’s Nutrition Solutions, professor of nutrition and trans fatty acid researcher at The Ohio State University. “In general, naturally occurring trans fatty acids have positive health effects, and some may even help decrease the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.” Most of the trans fatty acids consumed in the American diet are man-made and come from snacks such as chips, cookies and crackers. Several research studies have shown that the low amounts of naturally occurring trans fatty acids in beef and dairy products may have heart-healthy and cancer-protective benefits. Here are some easy ABCs to rememberabout trans fatty acids: A—All trans fatty acids are not created equal. B—Beef contains naturally Here are some easy ABCs to remember about trans fatty acids: A—All transfatty acids are not created equal. B—Beefcontains naturally occurring trans fatty acids, (—Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring frans fatty acid that has been shown to have positive health benefits. @ occurring trans fatty acids, which are very different from man-made trans fatty acids—and, half the fatty acids in beef are monounsaturated fatty acids, the same hearthealthy kind foundin oliveoil. C—Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring trans fatty acid that has been shown to have positive health benefits. “Aim for a variety of naturally nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean meat, in your diet,” Belury added. “Foods that are naturally rich in essential nutrients, like lean beef, are more likely to contain beneficial, naturally occurring trans fatty acids, and none of the potentially harmful man-madetypes.” For more information on trans fatty acids, you can visit www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com. This project is funded by America’s Beef Producers through the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and managed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
