Researchers in Tbilisi, Georgia tested popular street foods to measure how much trans fat they contain. Trans fats are unhealthy fats that can increase your risk of heart disease and other serious health problems. The World Health Organization says we should eat as little trans fat as possible. This study checked real food samples from street vendors to see if people eating these foods are getting too much trans fat without knowing it. Understanding what’s in the food we eat is important for making healthier choices.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How much unhealthy trans fat is hiding in street foods that people buy and eat in Tbilisi
  • Who participated: Researchers collected and tested various street food samples from vendors throughout Tbilisi to measure their trans fat content
  • Key finding: Street foods in Tbilisi contained measurable amounts of trans fats, which suggests people eating these foods regularly may be consuming more unhealthy fats than health experts recommend
  • What it means for you: If you eat street food regularly, you might be getting unhealthy trans fats without realizing it. Checking food labels and choosing vendors who use healthier cooking oils can help reduce your intake

The Research Details

Scientists collected samples of popular street foods from various vendors in Tbilisi and tested them in a laboratory to measure exactly how much trans fat each food contained. Trans fats are created when vegetable oils are chemically changed to make them solid at room temperature—this process is called hydrogenation. These fats are used in cooking because they’re cheap and last a long time, but they’re bad for your health.

The researchers used scientific equipment to identify and measure the trans fat levels in each food sample. This type of study is important because it gives us real-world information about what people are actually eating, not just what companies claim is in their products.

By testing actual street food samples, the researchers could see if vendors were using ingredients with high trans fat content and whether the amounts were above what health organizations recommend.

This research matters because street food is something many people eat regularly, especially in cities. If these foods contain high levels of trans fats, it means people might be harming their health without knowing it. Most people don’t check the ingredients in street food the way they might check packaged food labels. This study provides evidence that can help governments and health organizations make rules about what oils vendors should use.

This is a real-world study that tested actual food products, which makes the results practical and relevant. The study was published in a respected nutrition journal, which means other experts reviewed it before publication. However, the study focused only on Tbilisi, so results might be different in other cities. The exact number of food samples tested wasn’t specified in the available information.

What the Results Show

The study found that street foods in Tbilisi contained trans fats at levels that are concerning for public health. This suggests that vendors may be using cooking oils or ingredients that contain these unhealthy fats. The presence of trans fats in street foods is important because many people eat these foods regularly, sometimes several times per week.

Trans fats are particularly dangerous because they raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. This combination increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. The World Health Organization recommends that trans fats should make up less than 1% of your daily calories—which is a very small amount.

The research shows that street food vendors in Tbilisi may not be aware of the health risks of trans fats, or they may be using them because they’re cheaper than healthier alternatives. This is a common problem in many cities around the world where food safety regulations aren’t strict.

The study highlights that trans fats are still being used in food preparation even though their dangers are well-known. This suggests there’s a gap between what health experts recommend and what’s actually happening in food preparation. The research also points to the need for better food labeling and vendor education about healthier cooking methods.

Previous research has shown that trans fats are linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other serious health conditions. This study adds to that evidence by showing that trans fats are still present in street foods in significant amounts. Similar studies in other countries have found comparable problems, suggesting this is a widespread global issue, not just a problem in Tbilisi.

The study focused only on street foods in one city (Tbilisi), so the results might not apply to other cities or countries. The exact number of food samples tested wasn’t clearly stated. The study measured trans fat levels but didn’t track how much trans fat individual people actually consumed. Additionally, the study didn’t identify which specific vendors or types of foods had the highest trans fat content, which would have been helpful for consumers.

The Bottom Line

If you eat street food regularly, try to choose vendors who use fresh ingredients and healthier cooking methods. Ask vendors what type of oil they use for cooking. Look for foods that are grilled, steamed, or baked rather than deep-fried. When possible, check nutrition labels on packaged foods to avoid products with trans fats listed in the ingredients. These recommendations have moderate confidence because they’re based on established nutrition science, though this specific study doesn’t provide exact numbers.

Everyone should care about trans fat intake, but it’s especially important for people with heart disease risk factors, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart problems. People who eat street food frequently should be most concerned. Parents should also be aware since children who eat street food regularly may develop unhealthy eating patterns early in life.

Reducing trans fat intake won’t show immediate results, but over weeks and months, you may notice improvements in energy levels and how you feel. Long-term benefits like lower cholesterol and reduced heart disease risk typically take several months to a year to become measurable.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your street food purchases weekly, noting the type of food, vendor location, and cooking method used. Rate each meal on a scale of 1-5 for perceived healthiness based on ingredients and preparation method.
  • Set a goal to reduce street food purchases by 50% over the next month, replacing them with home-prepared meals or restaurants that display nutrition information. When you do eat street food, choose grilled or baked options instead of fried foods.
  • Keep a monthly log of street food consumption frequency and types of foods eaten. Note any changes in how you feel, energy levels, or digestion. If possible, get your cholesterol checked every 6-12 months to track long-term health improvements.

This research describes trans fat levels in street foods and their potential health risks. However, this study alone should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. If you have concerns about your diet or heart health, please consult with a doctor or registered dietitian. The findings apply specifically to Tbilisi and may not represent all street foods everywhere. Individual health needs vary, so personalized medical advice is important for making dietary changes, especially if you have existing health conditions.