Trans fats should go

Re “Fat chance,” editorial, July 18

All fats have the same number of calories and, if eaten with abandon, will absolutely contribute to the ever-widening figures of Americans.

However, palm oil and coconut oil, along with butter and olive oil, act quite differently from partially hydrogenated oils once they are inside our bodies. Trans fats, a manufactured byproduct of the partial hydrogenation of any vegetable oil, sabotage cell membranes, inhibiting cells from performing their intended functions. Cells all over the body cannot perform the exquisite and delicate work they were designed to do once partially hydrogenated oil is absorbed.

It is imperative for Times editorial writers to do their homework before taking a stand that will affect the health of thousands of readers.

That said, specific nutritional information on menus would complement, not detract from, a statewide ban on trans fats. A major life benefit is waiting for the governor’s pen.

Judith Shaw

Bolinas

The writer is the author of “Trans Fats: The Hidden Killer in Our Food.”

In its editorial, The Times argues against AB 97, which would ban restaurants and bakeries from using trans fats, in part because, the board writes, “Laws that protect consumers from their own unhealthful habits have more than a whiff of the nanny state about them.”

Based on this argument, is The Times also against mandatory seat belt use and mandatory helmets for motorcyclists?

Ed Schoch

Westchester