Researchers say cutting trans fats out of your diet can not only reduce your risk of death, but also non-fatal heart attacks and strokes.
- Trans fats found in fried fast foods, cookies, microwave popcorn
- Ban of trans fats in New York counties saw heart attacks drop by 6 percent
- Healthier alternatives are olive, safflower and canola oils
The study out of Yale University shows after banning trans fat in some counties in the state of New York, heart attacks and strokes fell by more than 6 percent over a three year period.
Trans fats can be found in oils used to make cookies, microwave popcorn, crackers and to fry fast food.
It is used to keep the food fresh for longer, however, the chemical process used also can clog arteries.
Doctors out of Yale University say a nationwide ban is a win for the millions of people at risk for heart disease.
Right now, the Food and Drug Administration estimates that nearly 80 percent of trans fats are already eliminated from U.S. foods.
Good substitutes are liquid oils such as olive, safflower and canola oils.