Can Olestra fit into a healthy eating plan?
The American Heart Association and American Cancer Society recommend keeping total calories from fat to less than 30 percent. Snacks made with Olestra offer reduced-fat options for those who want to keep a healthy level of fat in their diets, while enjoying snack foods. When substituted for their full-fat counterparts, foods made with Olestra can help reduce fat and calories in your diet. But remember if lower-fat foods are used in addition to the usual diet, rather than serving as replacements, your total fat or calorie intake will not be reduced. Choosing reduced-fat and fat-free foods should be just one part of an overall healthful eating plan; this, along with regular physical activity, can help lower your risk of many diseases, including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Why is Olestra controversial? Is it safe? Olestra products bear a food ingredient information label (not a warning label) indicating that some people may experience softer stools. Any suc
