Crystal Cut the Fat | The Mail Buoy

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Renowned for bringing guests the most innovative gastronomic programs and experiences at sea, luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises announces an industry-wide culinary first. Effective immediately, Crystal Cruises is trans-fat free. While many of the foods served aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony have been trans-fat free for a long time, the decision was made to eliminate trans fats in response to the growing public health trend and is in line with Crystal's continuing commitment to offer its guests healthy food selections. The ultra-luxury line's expert chefs have removed all trans fats in favor of more than a dozen trans-fat-free oils, including sesame seed, pumpkin seed, walnut seed, corn oil, and several olive oils, providing more healthful and flavorful alternatives. The changes have been incorporated across the ships' menus and restaurants and include everything from French fries to salad dressings. Whether for sautÃ©ing, deep frying, drizzling or baking, Crystal chefs are only using trans-fat free fats. According to the National Academy of Sciences, trans fatty acids are not essential and provide no known benefit to human health. While both saturated and trans fats increase levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), trans fats also lower levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), increasing the risk of coronary heart disease. The World Health Organization has recommended that trans fats be limited to less than one percent of overall energy intake. Crystal's crew galleys are now trans-fat free as well. In keeping with its commitment to more healthful lifestyle choices for its crew, Crystal Cruises is focusing on crew menus with more fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and offering crew-only wellness classes and sporting activities.