Only one in two men and one in three women follow the nutritional recommendations for starchy foods. However, contrary to what the French think they do not make you fat
The French shun starchy foods! Bread, lentils, pasta, rice, or even potatoes, the starches that contribute to the food balance are consumed in insufficient proportions by the French, according to a study made public Thursday. Yet, contrary to popular belief, it does not make you fat. Rich in complex carbohydrates, starchy foods quickly satiate and thus avoid eating too much. They are therefore ideal for calming cravings and also contribute to the intake of vitamins and minerals. Virtues unsuspected by a majority of consumers.
The first results of the NutriNet-Santé study carried out among 80,209 Internet users have indeed shown that only one in two men and one in three women follow the nutritional recommendations for starchy foods. And contrary to what one might think, the obese do not have a higher consumption than the others. Respectively 67 and 61% of overweight and obese women do not eat enough starchy foods. Moreover, theThe consumption of starchy foods below the guidelines is more frequent in subjects who have followed one or more weight loss diets in the past.
And this is a real problem because according to the National Health Nutrition Program (PNNS) it should be eaten “at every meal”. Obviously, the amount can vary, depending on physical activity, size, or appetite. Food benchmarks little known to the French, only 22% of “nutrinauts” know these recommendations. The NutriNet-Santé team is therefore proposing the launch of a major public information campaign in order to stimulate the consumption of starchy foods, especially among people who want to lose weight and who deprive themselves of it in an unjustified manner.
The health benefits of starches are well known. Consumption of whole grains of at least 2.5 servings per day, compared to almost no consumption, is for example associated with a 21% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease. Finally, an increase of 3 servings per day of whole grains is associated with a 17% reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer.
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