The truth about trans fat | 60 Minutes Australia

Summary

The video script from 60 Minutes Australia delves into the dangers of trans fats, a manmade chemical linked to heart disease. Despite being banned in some countries, trans fats are prevalent in Australia's food supply, from fried foods to biscuits. Cardiologist Dr. Nick Cox illustrates the health risks, showing how trans fats alter cholesterol levels and cause arterial blockages. The script raises questions about the continued use of these harmful substances, highlighting the need for consumer awareness and potential regulatory action.

Takeaways

• 🍽️ Trans fats are manmade chemicals used in food to extend shelf life and are considered highly unhealthy.
• 🚫 Trans fats have been banned in other parts of the world due to their detrimental health effects.
• 🇦🇺 In Australia, trans fats are still prevalent in many foods, including fried foods and biscuits.
• 🧠 Trans fats negatively impact cholesterol levels, promoting the buildup of 'bad' cholesterol in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
• 🩺 Dr. Nick Cox, a cardiologist, encounters the damaging effects of trans fats in his patients' arteries regularly.
• 🚫 The use of trans fats is deliberate, despite having no nutritional value and being harmful.
• 🏭 Trans fats are industrially manufactured and are the types of fats that should be targeted for elimination from diets.
• 👨‍⚕️ Jerry Cartwright, a police officer, suffered a heart attack likely due to a diet high in trans fats.
• 🍔 Many people are unaware of the presence of trans fats in quick, convenient meals and fast food.
• 🌐 The industrial processing of oils into trans fats makes them particularly harmful, causing them to form deposits in arteries.
• 📉 There is a growing movement to ban trans fats, with some success in the United States, where certain states have already banned them.
• 🗳️ The debate over banning trans fats involves concerns about government overreach and the importance of consumer choice and information.

Q & A

What is trans fat and why is it considered harmful?

Trans fat is a toxic manmade chemical used to increase the shelf life of food. It is considered harmful because it alters cholesterol levels, inhibiting the good cholesterol and increasing the bad, leading to the formation of arterial blockages and contributing to heart disease.

Why is trans fat still present in the Australian food supply despite being banned in other countries?

Trans fat is still present in Australia because it is cheap, easy to use, and extends the shelf life of food products. There is no mandatory labeling for trans fats, and the federal government does not consider the consumption levels to warrant concern.

What is the impact of trans fats on cholesterol levels in the body?

Trans fats negatively impact cholesterol levels by inhibiting the good cholesterol (HDL) and increasing the bad cholesterol (LDL), which can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, potentially causing heart attacks and strokes.

How does Dr. Nick Cox's experience as a cardiologist relate to the issue of trans fats?

Dr. Nick Cox, as a cardiologist, deals with the direct consequences of trans fats consumption, such as blocked arteries and heart diseases. He has to deliver the news of serious health conditions to his patients, which are often linked to the consumption of trans fats.

What dietary habits did Jerry Cartwright have prior to his heart attack, and how did they contribute to his condition?

Jerry Cartwright, a police officer, lived on a diet of fast food and processed food, which were heavily laden with trans fats. This contributed to his heart attack, as the trans fats led to the buildup of cholesterol in his arteries.

What is the industrial process that creates trans fats?

Trans fats are created through the industrial processing of oils. They are boiled at temperatures above 200°C, and metals are used as catalysts to change their molecular structure. Hydrogen is then used to turn the liquid oils into solid fats.

How do trans fats affect the development of cholesterol build-ups in arteries?

Trans fats make the arteries sticky and prone to cholesterol deposits. This process can start at a young age, with teenagers potentially developing cholesterol build-ups due to the consumption of trans fats.

What is the stance of the American government on trans fats, and what actions have been taken?

The American government has taken a strong stance against trans fats, with several states having banned their use in food products. This move is aimed at reducing the risk of heart diseases associated with trans fats consumption.

What is the debate surrounding the banning of trans fats in the context of consumer choice and government intervention?

There is a debate about whether the government should ban trans fats or allow consumers to make informed choices. Some argue that the government should provide information, while others believe that a ban is necessary to protect public health.

What are the potential health benefits of removing trans fats from the diet?

Removing trans fats from the diet could lead to a significant reduction in the risk of coronary events, with experts suggesting a potential decrease of about 20% in heart disease risks.

Why is there a difference in the approach to trans fats between Australia and America, despite similar health risks?

The difference in approach is due to varying regulatory actions and public health policies. While America has seen a ban on trans fats in some states, Australia does not have mandatory labeling and the government does not consider the consumption levels to be a significant concern.