Diet High In Foods With Trans Fats Linked to Depression

Diet High In Foods With Trans Fats Linked to Depression

Let's face it; at this time of year, there are lots of tasty holiday goodies about; foods with trans fats. Things you know in your head are not good for your heart or your waistline, but that doesn't seem to matter as you give in to temptation.

Many believe that the good feeling that comes from eating these trans fat laden foods will last and last. In fact, according to the research from Spain the good feeling that comes from indulgence in these treats doesn't linger for long. Intriguing that the higher intake was linked to higher levels of depression, and the lowest marks on exams created to determine quality of life.

The most recent study on trans fats and quality of life conducted by Spanish researchers was designed to see if different varieties of fats had any effect on the quality of life (functional health, happiness and well being).

Over 8,400 subjects who were taking part in an ongoing Spanish nutrition study were used for the latest project. All the participants filled out a 136-item questionnaire on food when they started the program, four years on they completed a health survey intended to assess their current quality of life.

Only trans fats showed a significant link with quality of life marks according to researchers.

Participants whose diets had the highest levels of trans fats were also more likely to report things that were linked with a lower quality of life. Things like feeling tired, a negative attitude toward both work and socializing or holding negative beliefs surrounding their own future health.

Of course these fats are a recognized part of a poor diet and this likely has an impact on mood and how people feel. If you're putting bad things into your body all the time, it's not likely to feel very good or energized. Still, it's not at all clear, even to the experts, that trans fats alone are to blame for a decreased quality of life.

Participants in the latest research were college educated, with their average trans fats intake being almost half of the average for the Spanish population in general, and only one quarter that of most Americans. This has researchers believing that the relationship could be more robust in populations that have higher intakes of trans fats.

Trans fats are lab created with by adding hydrogen to liquid oil so that it becomes more solid. Once upon a time they seemed like a good idea, enhancing flavor, texture and shelf life so many foods.

You see these fats most often in fried foods, and processed items like pastries, crackers and cookies. And while they taste good, they then go through your digestive tract and into your arteries, where they turn dangerous. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fats to under 7% of your total daily calorie intake, trans fats to less than 1%.

If you're concerned about your own intake of foods with trans fats, there are things you can do. Shop smart and read nutrition facts carefully on any product you buy. Watch out for labels that say "0 Trans Fats" as the FDA allows this to be used on any product that has 0.5 grams of these fats per serving. Some of these items cost more, but not all of them do. Be sure to also look at the total fat content (saturated fat included) and choose products that have the least amount of fats or that use healthier canola oil. Diet High In Foods With Trans Fats Linked to Depression - B Top Directory Seo  - Business Directory - Directory Seo