January 30, 2003 – Fries, a cola, a hamburger and an apple fritter, such a menu does not only make you fat. Like all other menus high in calories, fat and carbohydrates, it also increases the level of free radicals in the blood and exposes the body to chronic inflammation.
This is what researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo discovered. The researchers gave a 900 calorie “fast food” breakfast (including fried potatoes and two “egg” English muffins) to nine healthy people. They took a blood sample before the meal and after (one hour, two hours and three hours after). The results showed an average increase in free radicals of 129% (one hour after eating), 175% (two hours after) and 138% (three hours after). Paresh Dandona, principal investigator of the study, therefore concludes that the consumption of meals “fast food” causes a high index of inflammation lasting up to four hours after the meal.
“People who eat this type of food every three or four hours, as many do, constantly subject their bodies to more inflammation,” says Paresh Dandona. Refined carbohydrates (found in baked goods and soft drinks, for example) also play a role. “
The “C reactive protein test” is used to find out the level of markers of inflammation in the blood. It is one of the best indicators of the degree of inflammation in the body, predicting the early symptoms of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
To reduce the risk of inflammation, reduce the amount of trans fat ingested, favor whole grains over refined grains and avoid carbonated drinks. To learn more, read our article Ten Tips to Reduce Inflammation.
Stéphane Gagné – PasseportSanté.net
According to Prevention, January 2003 and a press release from the State University of New York at Buffalo, June 16, 2002.
