Trans Fatty Acids/Junk Food | Medical Science Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Fats

Upon hydrolysis, fats produce fatty acids and glycerol. Fatty acids can be categorized into saturated and unsaturated forms.

Essential Fatty Acids

These are fatty acids that cannot be produced by humans and must be obtained exclusively from food sources, primarily from vegetable oils and fish oils. Examples include:

• Linoleic acid
• Linolenic acid
• Arachidonic acid
• Eicosapentaenoic acid

Note: It is important to highlight that not all polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are considered essential fatty acids.

Guidelines/Targets for the qualitative composition of fats in the diet provided by the WHO/FAO Expert Group on diet, nutrition, and prevention of chronic diseases (percentage of Energy):

• Total fat: 15-30%
• Saturated fatty acids: Less than 10%
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs): 6-10%
• Trans-fatty acids: Less than 1%
• Cholesterol: Less than 300 mg per day

Trans-Fatty Acids

Trans-fatty acids are geometric isomers of cis-unsaturated fatty acids that assume a configuration resembling saturated fatty acids. Partial hydrogenation, a process employed to extend the shelf life of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), generates trans-fatty acids while eliminating crucial double bonds in essential fatty acids.

Sources include:

• Deep-fried fast foods
• Cake mixes
• Cereals and energy bars
• Chips and crackers
• Whipped toppings
• Packaged cookies and candy
• Packaged doughnuts
• Pies and cakes

Caution: It is advisable to check for "partially hydrogenated oil" on the label of any packaged food.

Health Effects

• The elimination of trans fatty acids from the body takes several years.
• Metabolic studies have revealed that trans-fatty acids make the plasma lipid profile more atherogenic than saturated fatty acids, not only by raising LDL cholesterol but also by reducing HDL cholesterol.
• Numerous large cohort studies indicate that the consumption of trans-fatty acids is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
• Diets high in fat can pose a health threat by promoting obesity.
• In recent years, there has been some evidence suggesting that diets high in fat may elevate the risk of colon and breast cancer.

Junk Food

Junk food refers to unhealthy food characterized by high calorie content from sugar or fat, lacking essential dietary elements such as fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional values.

Note:

• Food that is highly saturated and rich in protein is also categorized as junk food.
• It's important to note that fast food is not synonymous with junk food.
• Most junk food is heavily processed.

Examples of junk food include:

• Candy
• Crackers
• Bakery goods
• Ice cream
• Salty snacks
• Soft drinks
• Hamburgers, pizza, and tacos (depending on the ingredients)
• White flour
• High fructose corn syrup

Health effects: Increased risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

Anti-Junk Food Measures

A 2008 study by the Scripps Research Institute suggested that junk food consumption alters brain activity similarly to addictive drugs like cocaine and heroin.

• Price control: Increased taxation to regulate excessive sales of junk food in the market.
• Restriction on advertising to children.
• Education about healthy food habits.

Trans fatty acids/Junk Food - Repeats

• The increasing use of junk food in the country has distinct negative connotations for the health of its citizens. What do you understand by the term 'junk food'? Cite some common examples. State the ill effects of excessive consumption of junk food on health, outlining the scientific { basis. (2012) 
• What are trans-fatty acids? Which foods are major source of trans-fatty acids? What is the significance of trans-fatty acids from public health viewpoint? (2017)