On June 16, 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) came to a decision to ban artificial trans fats in the U.S. food supply. A subsequent mandate from the FDA gave food manufacturers until June 18 of this year to exclude trans fat from their products.

Trans fats are generally used in frying, baked goods and confections.

Is coconut oil a trans fat?

No. Coconut oil is a saturated fat, which is different than a trans fat. Saturated fat occurs naturally in food, but trans fat is man-made. Trans fat is made to resemble saturated fat by adding hydrogen atoms to vegetable oil. The process, called hydrogenation, makes the fat solid and gives it a longer shelf life.

Why did the FDA ban trans fat?

There is general consensus now that trans fats may contribute to heart disease, a reverse of recent thought. Prior to this ruling, there was some scientific consensus that trans fats are generally recognized as safe and allowed under FDA policy.  

“I don’t know how many lives will be saved, but probably in the thousands per year when all the companies are in compliance,” said Michael Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Here are some not-so-flattering facts about trans fats:

• Trans fat is made when vegetable oil is turned into a semi-solid or solid state through the process of hydrogenation.
• Food companies and restaurants use trans fat to improve the taste and texture of food, and increase the shelf life of food products.
• Consuming high levels of trans fat boosts the amount of so-called “bad” cholesterol in the body, which can clog blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Why is Skinny & Company telling us this?

Skinny Coconut Oil is made of a special type of fat called saturated fat, which, for a long time, has been deemed unhealthy by the FDA. In reality, raw saturated fats are the healthiest fats you can consume, and may even lead to weight loss, brain clarity and increased energy.

The saturated fat in Skinny Coconut Oil is approximately 92 percent short and medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), which are known as a healthy fat. This may seem like a backwards concept, but these fats are a proven commodity.

The benefits of coconut oil

• Medical researchers have found using coconut oil instead of unsaturated oils (corn, soybean, canola) can help with weight loss.
• Due to the abundance of these fatty acids, Skinny Coconut Oil activates metabolism and prevents the effects of unsaturated and trans fats on the thyroid.
• Adding Skinny Coconut Oil to a balanced diet can help normalize cholesterol levels. By promoting its conversion into pregnenolone, coconut oil can reduce stress, improve immunity and strengthen the heart.
• MCFAs are absorbed in the small intestine and immediately transported to the liver for use as energy. Skinny Coconut Oil provides natural, long lasting energy and is more effective than sugars, grains and carbohydrates.
• MCFAs in Skinny Coconut Oil are a type of fat the body can convert to a fuel called ketones. These molecules are neuro-protective, encouraging tasks such as improved memory, cognition and attention.

See, not all fats are bad for you! Fats are a necessary part of our daily diet, and when used properly, are healthy for you. You just have to choose the right fats, and use them in a way to receive all there miraculous benefits.

The Skinny & Co. promise

At Skinny & Company, our hope is to educate you to the best of our ability. We want people to question what they’re really putting into their bodies, and to actively seek healthier alternatives to things like trans fats. We hope to provide that alternative, not just for a sale, but for the health of our customer.

Trans fats being banned is a big step in the right direction for the health of our nation, and we couldn’t be happier that someone wised up and did it. There’s still much to be changed, but it never hurts to knock over a domino.