FDA Bans Trans Fats: Here's How Your Health Will Improve

News broke this week that the FDA is giving food manufacturers 3 years to rid all of their products of trans fats. Also called "partially hydrogenated oils," these are the key source of trans fatty acids in the American diet. 

The FDA came to this decision after a decision two years ago that oils (PHO) failed to meet food safety guidelines. Medical experts are praising this decision, since there is extensive research regarding the effects of trans fats. 

Major bodies of evidence point to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and cancer from heavy consumption of trans fats. Doctors believe the removal of these trans fats in our diet will help reduce the risks of this preventable diseases. 

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, trans fats are found naturally in animal fats but PHOs are found in baked goods. Food makers have used these for many years because they are inexpensive and extend the shelf life. The main problem is that these trans fats raise low-density lipoprotein or LDL, the bad cholesterol, which we've spoken a lot about. An increased LDL level is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, the number one cause of death in America. The center is projecting that eliminating these fats could prevent 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths per year. 

If trans fats are eliminated the effects on our health will be massively improved. Here are 4 ways:

1. You'll be happier: What we eat and how it correlates into our mood isn't fully understood by scientists but a significant study has connected the effects of high trans fat diet and depression from Spain. They found those who consumed a lot of trans fats had a 48% risk of depression.

2. Heart Attack Risk Will Decrease: High levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) is a huge proponent of heart disease and the chance of a heart attack. It builds up and narrows the arteries. This leads to high blood pressure which can turn into cardiovascular disease. 

3. You'll Turn to Healthy Fats: Which is a good thing. Healthy fats found in foods like avocados, olive oil and nuts are under appreciated and consumed, yet they provide huge health benefits.

4. Memory May Improve: Researchers at the Oregon health and Science University analyzed diets and health habits and found that those who had a high trans fat diet scored low on memory or thinking tests.