31 Jan Is Your Favorite Snack Made with Healthy Fats Chicago?
Making healthy snack decisions can be challenging. With long ingredient lists and ingredient names that often cause confusion instead of clarity, it can be hard for Chicago employees to know how healthy different snack items are. The International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA), a group of 12 leading global food and beverage companies wants to help with that.
Following the lead of the World Health Organization, the IFBA “is determined to innovate and optimize the composition of members’ products in order to help contribute to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) goal of eliminating industrially produced trans-fat (iTFA) from the global food supply by 2023.” Specifically, IFBA members have agreed not to exceed 2 grams of iTFA per 100 grams of fat in their products.
What are trans fats, and why are they unhealthy?
Trans fats come in two forms: naturally occurring and artificial. Naturally occurring trans fats come from some animals, are found in smaller quantities and have been found to be beneficial. Artificial trans fats, on the other hand, are the result of a chemical process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils creating a solid product like margarine and ghee and are very unhealthy.
Because artificial trans fats are inexpensive to produce, have a longer shelf life than other fats and add a desirable taste and texture, they have historically been used as an ingredient in a wide variety of processed foods such as pie crusts, biscuits, frozen pizza, cookies and crackers.
Consuming artificial trans fats increases Chicago individuals’ risk of developing heart disease and having a stroke because the artificial trans fats raise bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and lower good (HDL) cholesterol levels. Artificial trans fats are also linked to other health conditions including long-term inflammation, type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.
Healthier Choices
There are, however, healthier fats available such as monounsaturated fats found in olive and canola oil and polyunsaturated fats, found in certain fish, avocados, nuts and seeds. The American Heart Association also suggests enjoying a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, poultry and fish. Dark chocolate enjoyed in moderation can also be added to the list.
Chicago employers have an opportunity to help their employees make healthier snack, beverage and fresh food choices by offering healthy options in the break room. Not only will it encourage employees to stay on-site during the workday, but healthier employees are more productive and have fewer sick days.
We would like to help your business customize a micro-market, pantry service or vending machine refreshment menu to include delicious and healthy fresh food, snacks (with healthy fats) and beverages. For more information, please call Fox Vending at (800) 694-2800. We look forward to hearing from you.