Healthy Food Habbits: Ways and means of limiting the Trans Fat intake

Presently, India is facing the dual burden of disease – while large majority of the people are suffering from chronic energy deficiency (due to poor quantity and quality of food intake); a sizeable population on the other hand is also suffering from the diet-related chronic degenerative/lifestyle related diseases. The risk factors associated with these diseases include unhealthy dietary practices, physical inactivity, overweight/obesity, smoking/drinking, drug abuse and psychological stress. Among the diet related factors, apart from the total energy intake, quantity and quality of the dietary fat play an important role.

The dietary fats may contain saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Further, the unsaturated fatty acids can exist either in the cis or the trans configuration depending on position of the hydrogen atoms at the double bonds. In the case of cis configuration, both the hydrogen atoms are on same side of the carbon chain, resulting in a kinked geometry which imparts greater fluidity to the oils. However, in trans configuration, the hydrogen atoms are on the opposite side, as a result the chain gets straighter with greater rigidity (Figure 1). Conversion of cis isomers to the corresponding trans isomers result in an increase in the melting point. From the health view point, lower the melting point, better is the oil or the fat.

H H H

CH3-(CH2)7- C=C-(CH2)7-COOH CH3-(CH2)7- C=C-(CH2)7-COOH

H

Oleic acid (9 cis C18:1) Elaidic acid (9 trans C18:1)

Figure 1: Structural differences in the cis and trans isomers of fatty acids

Elaidic acid (9 trans C18:1) is the geometric isomer of oleic acid (9 cis C18:1). While, oleic acid has a melting point of 16.3ºC, the melting point of elaidic acid (9 trans C18:1) is 43.7ºC and that of vaccenic acid (11 trans C18:1) 44ºC. The trans fats are even more harmful than their saturated counterparts.

Trans fats or Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are the most harmful type of fats which can pose many adverse effects on our body. Major TFAs include elaidic acid (9 trans C18:1) primarily found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and vaccenic acid (11 trans C18:1), found in meat/ dairy products. TFAs are also present as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, C18:2). However, in case of polyunsaturated fatty acids (containing >2 double bonds), either one or more of the double bonds can be in trans configuration. Thus, it is possible that in the polyunsaturated fatty acids, there is coexistence of the cis and the trans double bonds.

The commonly consumed vegetable oils like soybean, sunflower, safflower, mustard, olive, rice bran, sesame are the sources of cis mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids and their saturated fatty acid content is also low. However, to obtain textural similarity to pure ghee and to improve their oxidative stability, these vegetable oils are subjected to hydrogenation. Since, complete hydrogenation would result in a waxy and excessively hard product; these oils are subjected to partial hydrogenation. Partially hydrogenated oils have a longer shelf life and are less liable to rancidity. However, this process converts some of the cis-isomers into their trans counterparts and thus leads to the production of trans fatty acid. Deodorization of fats/oils (usually carried out at high temperatures; 180ºC to 270ºC) also results in the formation of trans fatty acids.

Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVOs) have been a significant part of the human diet since ages. Many studies have reported the deleterious effects of trans fats derived from PHVO; and this hard fact has been of great relevance in formulating the health guidelines.
Indian consumer today is incognizant of the amount of TFA present in the commercially prepared fried food items and lacks understanding regarding the actual amount of TFA they are consuming during the day through these fried foods. The population in general is ignorant of the adverse effects of TFAs on health.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (2010) has recommended that the TFA level in PHVOs should be below 10% which needs to be brought down to 5% in 3 years. Further, it has been proposed to mandate trans fat labelling so as to reduce its intake.

Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils are the major source of trans fats in our diets. A small amount of TFA though present in dairy fat and meat products is not that harmful.

Frying process is another which leads to the production of trans fatty acids; and their formation has been closely associated with the temperature of frying the food, duration of frying, number of times the fats/oils are heated/reheated.

In 2003, World Health Organization had recommended the trans-fat intake (from industrially produced hydrogenated oils and fats) should be less than 1% of the total energy. However, the Indian dietary guidelines propose that the trans fat intake should be less than 2% of the total energy.

Suitable strategies to limit the Trans Fat intake include:

Ø Avoid using “Vanaspati/ Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils” or margarine in your kitchen. Most of our people consider vanaspati to be an economical substitute for pure ghee.
Ø Avoid consuming food items prepared in “Vanaspati/PHVOs” or margarine; ensure to check the food labels.
Ø Limit the intake of fried/baked foods, particularly the marketed fried foods.
Ø Even while frying Poori/ bhatura etc. occasionally, use oils (and not the hydrogenated fat) and do not heat the oil for very long time.
Ø Do not repeatedly heat the oil or re-use the same oil for frying. Generally, masses are not aware of the adverse health effects of TFA and that reheating of fats/ oils results in the formation of TFA.
Further, after the frying process, cool the left-over fats/oils, strain out the suspended food particles and store the fat/oil in refrigerator/cool place and use it in the preparation of dry vegetables/curries and pulav etc.
Ø Avoid using ready to use/instant mixes for preparing foods as they have a greater chance of containing the Trans fats.
Ø Check the Nutrition Facts label on packaged food items for their TFA content, if indicated.
Ø Always check the ingredient list on packaged foods for the words like “shortening”, “partially hydrogenated vegetable oil” or “hydrogenated vegetable oil”, since, these contain trans fats.
Ø Avoid processed foods like cookies, chips, cakes and patties. Also, avoid consuming commercial fried foods and mithais esp if prepared in Vanaspati/PHVOs; and limit their quantity as well as frequency of intake.
Ø While eating out/ ordering food from outside, try to find out the oil being used in food preparation. If possible, request for reducing the amount of oil in the food preparation. A better option is to skip the deep-fried foods while eating out.
Ø For bakery items like biscuits and cake, red palm oil having a semi-solid texture can be blended with other edible oils, in 1:1/ 1:2 blends and used. It will also enhance the Beta-carotene/vitamin A content of the food item. Due to the semi-solid texture, RPO will help in bringing about the shortening effect in baked items without adding to their TFA content.
Implications for policy, practice and education: The authorities need to check the use of vanaspati and margarine as well as control an excessive use of the reheated fats/ oils. The halwais should be advised not to use oils over and over again for frying but to consume the used oils in the preparation of vegetables, curries, dough making, pulav etc. Nutrition education needs to be imparted to the halwais regarding TFA and their adverse health effects as well as they should be trained on correct frying practices.
The government should consider specifying achievable lower limits for TFA and SFA content of vegetable oils and the processed/fried foods. Nutrition labels on processed foods should indicate the TFA and SFA contents separately along with the optimal recommended ranges. The restaurants should avoid the use of ‘partially hydrogenated oils’ and if otherwise, its use should be disclosed.
Further, the consumers should be made aware of the health hazards associated with TFA intake. In oil processing, the food industry should implement newer technologies so as to produce zero trans fat containing products with desired functional properties. A multi-sectoral and proactive approach is required to successfully remove/reduce industrially produced TFAs from the food supply chain. Targeted message campaigns discouraging the intake of trans-fats containing foods can be of great help.

While some developing countries have laid down norms for TFA content of food, India needs strict regulations regarding the TFA content of fats/ oils as well as that of the commercially prepared food items. Therefore, at present the responsibility lies with the consumers to safeguard their interest. Therefore, steps need to be taken for curbing the trans fat intake through foods prepared both at industrial as well as household level.

“Beware of the trans fats in your diet, their high intake increases the risk of degenerative/lifestyle diseases. Say no to the hydrogenated fats/oils and the products prepared in hydrogenated fats/oils. Further, reduce the intake/frequency of fried foods, particularly the commercially prepared ones

India 143rd on Global Peace Index

Ranking India among 20 most violent places in the world, a global study today said the country's economy took a hit of over Rs 1 lakh crore in containing and dealing with cases of violence last year.

In the latest annual ranking of Global Peace Index, India has been ranked at 143rd position out of 162 countries surveyed.

While India has slipped two positions, Iceland continues to top the list as the world's most peaceful place. However, Syria has replaced Afghanistan as the most violent place.

"The economic impact of containing and dealing with the consequences of India's levels of violence was estimated to cost the national economy USD 177 billion (about Rs 1.07 lakh crore) in 2013," the Sydney-based international think tank Institute for Economics and Peace said in its report adding that is equivalent to 3.6 per cent of India's GDP, or USD 145 per person.

It estimated the impact of violence on global economy at USD 9.8 trillion or 11.3 per cent of world GDP in 2013, an increase of USD 179 billion from the previous year. The increase has been largely attributed to upward revisions of China's military expenditure and the number and intensity of internal conflicts.

Within South Asia, Bhutan has been ranked as the most peaceful country, followed by Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. India is ranked fifth in the region -- better than Pakistan at sixth and Afghanistan at seventh.

Globally, Pakistan is ranked 154th, while Afghanistan is at 161st position in this year's list.

As per the report, India suffers chronically from international tensions and widespread internal conflict.

"While Maoist movements are one of the biggest threats to India's internal security, sporadic conflict with its neighbours also threatens the country's external security," it said.

In concurrence, India is ranked number 4 out of 159 countries in the Global Terrorism Index.

"If India could improve its overall levels of peace, the dividend that would flow from this would substantially improve the country's economic growth rates. This can be achieved by a renewed government focus on building the underlying qualities that create and sustain peaceful societies such as low levels of corruption, well-functioning government and equitable distribution of resources," IEP founder and Executive Chairman Steve Killelea said.

The GPI is the world's leading measure of global peacefulness produced by the IEP. It gauges on-going domestic and international conflict, safety and security in society, and militarisation in 162 countries by taking into account 22 indicators.

Sanjaya Rajaram chosen for World Food Prize

In recognition of his outstanding work in the improvement of wheat crop

Sanjaya Rajaram, veteran plant scientist, has been chosen for this year’s World Food Prize for his “scientific research that led to a prodigious increase in world wheat production.”

Announcing this here, M.S. Swaminathan, founder of the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and chairman, global jury for selection of the Food Prize Laureate, told reporters on Wednesday that Dr Rajaram, now settled in Mexico, was selected for his “outstanding work in the improvement of wheat crop and wheat production in the world.”

Describing Dr. Rajaram as a “worthy successor” to the legacy of Norman Borlaug who was instrumental in instituting the Prize, Dr. Swaminathan said the plant scientist, hailing from rural background in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh, was known for his “genuine concern for farming and farmers,” especially small and marginal farmers. He was still keeping contact with his roots.

Dr. Swaminathan, the first recipient of the Prize in 1987, said the selection of Dr. Rajaram was significant as this year marked the centenary year of Dr. Borlaug as well as the international year of family farming.

Regarded as the most prestigious award in the area of food and agriculture, the Prize, carrying a cash prize of $ 250,000, would be presented during the U.N. World Food Day on October 16.

S. Nagarajan, MSSRF advisor and former Director of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), hailed Dr. Rajaram for being responsible in reorganising Wheat Revolution. P.C. Kesavan, Distinguished Fellow of the MSSRF, recalled the days when he and Dr Rajaram spent together at the Institute. G. Venkataramani, biographer of the awardee, said wheat varieties developed by Dr. Rajaram had been grown on 60 million hectares worldwide

Felipe VI sworn in as Spain’s king

Spain’s new King Felipe VI was proclaimed monarch at a formal ceremony in the country’s Parliament on Thursday, a deliberately low-key occasion for austere times and tarnished royal reputations.

King Felipe swore an oath of allegiance to democratic principles in front lawmakers and senators, who shouted “Viva el Rey!” (Long live the king!).

Two big Swiss banks have two-thirds of all money of Indians

It is just two big banks - UBS and Credit Suisse - which appear to be accounting for almost two-third of the total money held by Indians in Swiss banking system, known for their famed secrecy walls.

According to the latest official data disclosed by Switzerland’s central banking authority SNB (Swiss National Bank), Indians’ money in Swiss banks rose by 43 per cent last year to 2.03 billion Swiss francs (nearly Rs 14,000 crore), despite growing global pressure on Switzerland to share client details of their banks.

A further analysis of SNB data shows that the ‘big banks’ account for 68.2 per cent or about 1.4 billion Swiss francs (close to Rs 10,000 crore) of the total money belonging to the Indian clients of Swiss banks.

There are a total of 283 banks in Switzerland, out of which only two - UBS and Credit Suisse - have been classified as ‘big banks’ by Zurich-based SNB. There are also 93 foreign-controlled banks operating in the country.

However, the amount held by Indian clients in ‘savings and deposit accounts’ of Swiss banks is comparatively less at about 63 million Swiss francs (less than Rs 500 crore) and account for just about three per cent of the total exposure of Indians to the Swiss banking system.

Swiss banks classify a major portion of their clients’ money as “other amounts due to customers” and such funds due to their Indian clients stand at nearly 1.6 billion Swiss francs (over Rs 11,000 crore).

The ‘other’ avenues through which clients park their funds with Swiss banks include “trading portfolios, financial investments and participating interests”. Besides, banks are also said to be promoting ‘precious metals’ among their clients for parking their funds.

A small portion of clients’ money is also held by Swiss banks through other banks in the foreign countries. For Indian clients, such funds stood at about 94 million Swiss francs (about Rs 650 crore) at the end of 2013.

The total Indian money held in Swiss banks includes 1.95 billion Swiss francs held directly by Indian individuals and entities, and another 77.3 million Swiss francs through ’fiduciaries’ or wealth managers at the end of 2013.

The latest data from Zurich-based SNB comes at a time when Switzerland is facing growing pressure from India and many other countries to share foreign client details, while its own lawmakers are resisting such measures.

India has also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe cases of alleged black money of Indians, including funds stashed abroad in places like Switzerland.

The funds, described by SNB as ‘liabilities’ of Swiss banks or ‘amounts due to’ their clients, are the official figures disclosed by the Swiss authorities and do not indicate towards the quantum of the much-debated alleged black money held by Indians in the safe havens of Switzerland.

El Nino’s complex link to the monsoon

In 1997, even before the monsoon began, waters of the equatorial Pacific Ocean had warmed sharply, leading to one of the most powerful El Nino events in the last century. As such a phenomenon typically suppresses monsoon rains over India, a severe drought was widely predicted. As it turned out, the monsoon that year ended with above average rains. Just five years later, in 2002, a moderate El Nino unexpectedly wrecked the monsoon and produced a massive drought.

With another El Nino developing in the Pacific, there is considerable worry over its impact on this year’s monsoon. With the onset of rains over Kerala delayed by a few days and the monsoon’s subsequent northward progression stymied, those concerns are bound to escalate.

Although not every El Nino retards the monsoon, the Pacific becoming exceptionally warm greatly heightens the risk of a monsoon turning deficient. When the Pacific is neither unusually warm nor cool, there is only a 16 per cent chance of a monsoon ending in a drought. Rainfall data for 126 years indicates that the odds of a drought jump to over 40 per cent when there is an El Nino.

Almost a century has passed since Sir Gilbert Walker, then Director-General of Observatories in India, found indications that what happens far away in the Pacific affects the monsoon. Scientific understanding of what is known as the ‘El Nino Southern Oscillation’ (ENSO) has grown in leaps and bounds over recent decades.

Nevertheless, predicting how an El Nino will shape up and, more importantly for India, forecasting what might thereby happen to the monsoon are still challenges.

There could be several factors influencing the interplay between an El Nino and the monsoon. For one thing, which part of the Pacific warms has an impact on the monsoon.

El Ninos come in two ‘flavours,’ noted K. Krishna Kumar, who was then with the Indian Institute of the Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, along with a group of other scientists in a paper published in Science in 2006.

In 1997, the eastern Pacific had become exceptionally warm, thereby limiting the atmospheric circulation changes that adversely affected the monsoon. It was when the sea surface temperature anomalies were highest in the central Pacific that an El Nino had drought-producing effects over India.

Central Pacific El Ninos had appeared in 2002 as well as in 2004 and 2009, with all three years ending in drought, said Dr. Krishna Kumar, currently a consultant with the Qatar Meteorology Department.

Not clear
As this point in time, it was difficult to say which sort of El Nino would manifest this year, he told this correspondent. “The current generation of climate models do not have the capacity to distinguish whether a central or eastern Pacific El Nino will evolve.”

Besides, what happens in the Indian Ocean also shapes the course of the monsoon.

Toshio Yamagata’s research group at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) has studied the ‘Indian Ocean Dipole’ (IOD) and its effect on rains over India. During a ‘positive IOD’, the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean off Sumatra in Indonesia becomes colder than normal while the western tropical part of the ocean near the African coast becomes unusually warm. Such an event has been found to be beneficial for the monsoon. On the other hand, a ‘negative IOD,’ when temperatures at either end of the Indian Ocean swing in the opposite direction, hampers the monsoon.

An IOD can counter or worsen an El Nino’s impact on the monsoon, according to a paper by K. Ashok, currently at IITM in Pune, along with Dr. Yamagata that was published in Geophysical Research Letters in 2001.

A positive IOD had facilitated normal or excess rainfall over India in 1983, 1994 and 1997 despite an El Nino in those years. But during years such as 1992, a negative IOD and El Nino had cooperatively produced deficit rainfall.

The latest prediction from the JAMSTEC group suggests a ‘very high’ probability of a negative IOD turning up this year. Sulochana Gadgil, a much respected atmospheric scientist who was with the Indian Instititute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore, has along with colleagues been examining wind patterns over the equatorial Indian Ocean that are associated with changes in cloud formation.

During the positive phase of the ‘Equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation (EQUINOO),’ there is enhanced cloud formation and rainfall in western part of the equatorial ocean near the African coast while such activity is suppressed near Sumatra.

This phase is associated with good rains over India. Its negative phase, when cloud formation and rainfall flares up near Indonesia, retards rains over India.

While EQUINOO and IOD go in step during strong positive IOD events, such as in 1994 and 1997, they do not always do so, according to Prof. Gadgil. The severe drought of 2002, for instance, occurred when a moderate El Nino as well as strong negative EQUINOO together took a toll on the monsoon; that year, the IOD was slightly positive.

The fate of the monsoon depends to a large extent on the Pacific Ocean system and EQUINOO, she argues. While climate models can generate reasonable predictions of events in the Pacific and its impact on the monsoon, they are not able to do the same for EQUINOO.

“The monsoon has a mind of its own,” cautioned Raghu Murtugudde, professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences at the University of Maryland in the U.S. It was not a one-way street with an El Nino affecting the monsoon. What happened to the monsoon in the key months of July and August might determine how the El Nino evolved.

“We need to be able to forecast the monsoon without relying totally on the predictability of El Nino.

The government appointed Tax Administration Reform Commission (TARC), headed by Parthasarathi Shome, has recommended some radical reforms in tax administration which include:

Abolition of the post of Revenue Secretary
Amalgamation of CBDT and CBEC
Broaden the use of Permanent Account Number (PAN)
Avoid retrospective amendments to tax laws
Income Tax Return should also include wealth tax details
Separate budget allocation to ensure time bound tax refund and a passbook scheme for TDS (Tax Deduction at Source).
Tax Administration should be given greater functional and financial autonomy and independence from governmental structures, given their special needs.
As per report submitted by the panel to the Finance Ministry, the Revenue Secretary, an IAS, is “likely to have little experience or background in tax administration at the national level and little familiarity with tax.