Comments on: Catalyst lashed by Media Watch over cholesterol programs

By: Bill Shrapnel

Bill Shrapnel — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 05:11:00 +0000

Hi Jenny. Most so-called industrial trans fatty acids are also found in ruminant trans fats, though the proportions are different. Regards, Bill

By: Jenny

Jenny — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 09:47:58 +0000

There are some interesting chemical differences between natural and artificial trans fats (presence or absence of cis bonding etc) as well as issues related to % in foods. Check out: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402152140.htm

By: Will

Will — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 06:54:28 +0000

Hi Jenny,

All dairy fats naturally contain a small amount of trans-fat. In the literature, these are often referred to as “ruminant trans fatty acids.” Like this one for example: http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/87/3/515.long

Modern margarines don’t necessarily rely on partial hydrogenation anymore. My understanding is that interesterification has replaced hydrogenation in some cases, though perhaps Bill can speak to this more knowledgeably.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 10:26:52 +0000

Hi Bill, I think there is a bit of confusion here. When most people say Ghee they are referring to clarified butter which doesn’t contain trans fats as opposed to vegetable ghee which contains partially hydrogenated vegetable oil in place of ghee because of its lower cost. This vegetable ghee may contain trans fat!! We certainly need to read our labels to make sure we are getting what we want!

By: Jenny

Jenny — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 08:59:03 +0000

And another! http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15539276

By: Jenny

Jenny — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 08:57:27 +0000

Links! There are quite a few. Here is one: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22131700

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 00:56:04 +0000

Would you like to show us the link in pubmed which suggests ghee reduces CVD risk?

By: Jenny

Jenny — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 20:38:30 +0000

Thanks Bill I am continually evaluating and am interested in different perspectives can you point me to some good sources of information. I prefer to read the science if possible I have studied human biochem and physiology.

By: Bill Shrapnel

Bill Shrapnel — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 19:43:18 +0000

Jenny, your dietary strategies are misguided. Suggest you read any evidence-based review on the topic. Regards, Bill

By: Jenny

Jenny — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 12:07:28 +0000

Hi Bill, I looked and looked (pubmed) and couldn’t find a study on ghee showing it increased risk of CVD, they all said the opposite!! Where should I be looking to find proof of your assertion that ‘almost any alternative would be better’ ? Also, I have been avoiding canola and other vegetable and seed oils because I read about how damaging they are! (I use butter, coconut oil, olive oil, macadamia oil now). http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131111122105.htm