In the world of foods and beverages, the term “reduced fat” typically indicates that a particular product has a lower overall fat content than it naturally would, or than would be found in the original version. There are a number of techniques manufacturers use to remove fat, and there are different standards in different places when it comes to how much actually has to be removed in order to qualify for a “reduced” designation. Laws around the world vary somewhat when it comes to precise definitions, but in the United States, a reduced fat product must have at least 25% less fat than the original. It is important to remember, however, that this does not mean that it is necessarily a low fat product, and it may not actually be healthier than the full-fat version, either. Producers often add in other ingredients, particularly salt, to improve taste despite lowered fat, and this can skew the nutritional profile. People who are concerned about their fat intake or their overall nutrition are usually encouraged to read labels very carefully and strive for a diet that is balanced and complete and naturally low in fats.
Fat Reduction Process
Fat is a part of many different foods, particularly those derived from animals. It usually occurs naturally, but is at times added, as is often the case with processed foods, usually as a means of improving flavor or taste. Naturally-occurring fats are typically removed through separation. In milk, for instance, the raw fluid is agitated such that fat globules bind together and float to the top, where some or all of them can be removed fairly easily. Processors can manually remove fat from cuts of meat, or may also treat prepared meat with a chemical solution or wash that can dissolve the fat off.
In the case of processed fats, reducing the overall count is often a matter of adding fewer fatty ingredients from the beginning. Substituting lower fat alternatives is another approach.
Overall Nutrition
Stating that a product is reduced fat can be confusing on many levels. The problem is that some products that have had their fat levels reduced indeed a much better choice, and some are clearly not; the only way to find this out is to read the labels carefully and compare the ingredients. In many cases, the lower fat content will be replaced with another unhealthy ingredient, such as higher amounts of sugar.
Potentially Unexpected Additives
Sugar and salt are two of the most common ingredients that are added back into the recipe to make a fat-reduced product taste better. In many cases, sugars that are added can lower the reported fat actually contained in the food or beverage while actually causing the product to generate more fat once ingested. Added sugar turns into fat in the body, and thus the fat reduction has not benefited the consumer.
Salt isn’t usually much better. Foods high in sodium can lead to higher blood pressure, and may cause bloating and water retention; over long periods of time, this can cause arterial and even heart problems. Eating salty food can also be an issue for the simple reason that the palate becomes used to the taste, and this often leads people to eat even more foods that are high in sodium.
Importance of a Balanced Diet
There are, of course, a number of reduced fat products that are healthy, and these foods usually contain more fiber and less sugar. The only way to find out is to compare the labels and pay attention to the ingredients that have been altered or replaced. If the product that claims less fat has more fiber, less sugar, less fat, and less sodium than the original version, it is generally a much better choice than the original. There is a demand from consumers in most parts of the world for healthier, low-fat foods, so is important for the consumer to be aware of what the term means and how it can be of aid in planning a health diet.
It’s also important for people striving for a diet low in fats to be sure to eat a variety of different foods. A balance of fruits, vegetables, and grains can naturally lead to lowered fat consumption, and can ensure that the fats taken in are good and helpful fats. Not all fats are equal; some, like unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, are generally considered healthy, but others, particularly trans fats, can be quite harmful.
