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Trans fat is double trouble for heart health

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Experts say that trans fat is the worst type of fat to eat. That's because it raises "bad" cholesterol and lowers "good" cholesterol. A diet high in trans fat raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. Sometimes this type of fat also is called trans-fatty acids.

In some countries, government agencies have taken action to reduce or remove trans fat from the food supply. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration, also called FDA, has banned food makers from adding the major source of trans fats to foods and drinks.

The FDA expects that its move will prevent thousands of heart attacks and deaths every year. But many countries around the world haven't yet taken action to curb trans fats.