AMA: Trans Fat Ban Would Save Lives

Statement attributed to: Patrice A. Harris, M.D., AMA Board Member

Banning the use of artificial trans fats is a life-saving move that can help keep the public healthy, and the American Medical Association strongly supports the Food and Drug Administration’s recommendation to eliminate one of the most harmful fats in our food supply.

The FDA’s recommendation aligns with AMA’s strategy to prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes and to improve outcomes for those suffering from these diseases. With proper intervention, the effects of these conditions can be dramatically reduced, leading to a healthier nation and reducing health care spending.

Eating foods containing trans fat significantly increases the risk for heart disease by raising levels of bad cholesterol, while lowering levels of good cholesterol. Healthier fats and oils should be substituted when trans fats are removed from foods. Healthier options, such as extra virgin olive oil, could prevent 30,000 to 100,000 premature deaths each year.

What Your Heart Really Needs

There's nothing like a Greek Salad for the health conscious- the heart-health conscious,  that is. What studies have shown is that the two biggest favors you can do for your heart is to start yourself on a Mediterranean diet and a high-intensity interval training exercise routine, today.  In a study recently released at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, there was shown to be a pretty big correlation between these lifestyle changes and heart health improvement in people with abdominal obesity. Some common results from sticking to this diet and exercise plan were weight loss, improved muscle endurance, and blood sugar control ( to only name a few). Also, good news for those with diabetes- those study participants with diabetes showed, on average, a 23% improvement in blood sugar levels.

To get you started, the staples of a Mediterranean diet include fruits and veggies, potatoes  beans, nuts, seeds, breads and other cereals. You can get creative, and opt for a breakfast of fat-free, plain Greek yogurt (don't have too much dairy products, though) with some berries, or some fresh veggies and hummus ( chickpea paste, typically seasoned with lemon juice, olive oil and/or garlic). Ideas for Mediterranean meals are endless, and delicious  and easy to find online, in health magazines and on TV. So, if you're the health conscious type, experimental type, or just looking for a proven and effective diet, go for it- you can only lose. 

To read more on this story ( and read some other great articles!) , visit our site at http://www.diabetesdigest.com/article/Diabetes-Headlines:-The-link-between-alcohol-consumption-and-metabolic-syndrome,-and-more/583#.Um7-NdKsgk0

Rebecca