The food allergy dilemma
Someone contacted me recently to ask if I thought soybean oil would be the next transfat since so many people are allergic to soy products...
Certainly allergy to commonly used food products is a problem, but I don't think it is a good metaphor for the trans fat issue. Trans fats are fully optional (or should be) and simply clog our arteries. Yes, I understand food manufacturers like them because they prolong processed food shelf lives, but who wants to eat food that has been sitting around for months?
Anyway, the point is yes, there are an increasing number of people allergic to soy products including soy cooking oil. But, that is closer to the issue with peanut oil. I can't say everyone should use soybean oil, but it *is* a good option for many. Yes, products with soy should be labeled as such, in the same way that products indicate they may have nuts or have been processed in a facility with nuts, or products with butter are labeled so people with dairy allergies can avoid them.
But, since I'm not allergic to nuts -- or soy -- those should be options for my diet and I'd much prefer those to something filled with trans fats. Of course, butter has its place despite its saturated nature... :)
Certainly allergy to commonly used food products is a problem, but I don't think it is a good metaphor for the trans fat issue. Trans fats are fully optional (or should be) and simply clog our arteries. Yes, I understand food manufacturers like them because they prolong processed food shelf lives, but who wants to eat food that has been sitting around for months?
Anyway, the point is yes, there are an increasing number of people allergic to soy products including soy cooking oil. But, that is closer to the issue with peanut oil. I can't say everyone should use soybean oil, but it *is* a good option for many. Yes, products with soy should be labeled as such, in the same way that products indicate they may have nuts or have been processed in a facility with nuts, or products with butter are labeled so people with dairy allergies can avoid them.
But, since I'm not allergic to nuts -- or soy -- those should be options for my diet and I'd much prefer those to something filled with trans fats. Of course, butter has its place despite its saturated nature... :)
1 Comments:
Canola, Grapeseed and Safflower oils are much lower in saturated fats than either peanut or soy oils. Canola is the best oil out of the three for deep frying. I haven't heard of any allergies to any of those three oils, and I think if you use any of them you are getting the best of both worlds. Reducing the bad fat in your diet, and making sure those you cook for are eating in an allergy safe environment.
Great post.
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