the dangers of trans fats

Trans Fats are type of unsaturated fat artificially hydrogenated into saturated fat, conveniently extending its shelf-life and preventing a musty odor. Trans Fats are widely used in the food and bakery industries because of the longer shelf-life as well as lower prices.

Contrary to the common assumption that saturated fats are the most dangerous, Trans Fats actually pose a greater health risk while offering no nutritional valued. Furthermore, Trans Fats have been scientifically proven to raise levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol while reducing level of "good" HDL cholesterol. Continuous intake of Trans Fats has been found the possibility of coronary heart disease as well as contributing to obesity and diabetes.

where can we find trans fats?

Trans Fats are naturally occurring in the milk and meat of goats and sheep, but only in small amounts, while artificial Trans Fats are most commonly found in processed foods such as snack items, fried foods and bakery ingredients like artificial cream, margarine and shortening used in cakes, crackers and bread.

how can we avoid trans fats?

It should be mentioned that Trans Fats are not bad in moderation. Eliminating Trans Fats completely would require such extraordinary dietary changes that inadequate nutrition could become a problem and create additional health risks. Health experts recommend merely that you keep your intake of Trans Fats as low as possible within reason.

au bon pain's "zero grams trans fat" policy

At Au Bon Pain, every item in our bread and bakery menu is made with the highest-quality ingredients. Because we insist on our food being both delicious and healthy, our products do not contain margarine or shortening. An internationally standardized lab test certifies that Au Bon Pain's bread and bakery menu is meaning all bakery items have a Trans Fat content of less than 0.5 gram per serving, or are "not a significant source of trans fat". Au Bon Pain serves only freshly-baked goods everyday, so our customers can be sure that their food is both appetizing and free of the dangers of Trans Fats.