Health News Update: Why Our Food Choices Matter
Hey there everyone:
I want to alert you to something about the chemistry of our food that makes a huge difference in our health status and how well we age. There are chemical reactions in food that mostly occur during food preparation/cooking that create inflammatory and damaging compounds called Advanced Glycosylated End Products, also known as A.G.E.s. In the quick read links below, you will get a great summary of these problems and why a plant-based meal approach is so much healthier and largely anti-inflammatory.
“Research suggests that up to 30% of the A.G.E.s that we consume in our food remains inside our bodies and is not excreted. Over time, these A.G.E.s build up in our tissues, causing damage which can lead to serious chronic diseases. Due to increased food processing over the last few decades, we are consuming higher amounts of A.G.E.s than ever before. “
https://anti-ages.org/a-g-e-s-in-food-1 (This is a great visual guide and information source)
- Advanced glycation end products, generally found in higher amounts in animal-derived foods, are harmful compounds linked to insulin resistance and metabolic health issues. They are linked to inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and multiple chronic diseases including diabetes and heart disease.
- A recent study suggests that a low-fat vegan diet may be more effective at reducing AGE levels and managing weight than the Mediterranean diet, at least in the short-term.
- For those who want to try a low-fat vegan diet, experts recommend gradually introducing more plant-based meals into your routine and seeking guidance from a doctor or registered dietitian to ensure balanced nutrition.
- The results of the present study showed a significant reduction in dietary AGEs and body weight among participants on the low-fat vegan diet, while those on the Mediterranean diet experienced no significant changes.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6600625/
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1426642/full
Bottom Line:
As food science and health research evolves, there is an emerging consensus that the best eating pattern is plant-based, and animal sourced foods only 2 to 3 x per week. This information gives you some of the reasons why and how it will benefit you in many possible ways…including more optimal aging!
“Our research shows that you can use the power of your plate to lose weight with a low-fat vegan diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans and low in AGEs,” adds Dr. Kahleova. “It’s a simple and delicious way to maintain a healthy weight and fight chronic disease.”
