America is currently suffering from two epidemics ― heart disease and Type 2 diabetes .
Medical experts estimate that 80% of heart disease is preventable, and yet 80% of Americans will die “with” heart disease. So while another cause of death, like cancer, may ultimately be the cause of death, heart disease is very likely to be present.
We also have an epidemic of Type 2 diabetes, often connected to obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. In turn, this promotes insulin resistance in which cells of the body resist the effects of insulin to escort glucose (blood sugar) into the cells. As a result, glucose lingers and accumulates in the bloodstream.
The best preventive measures for Type 2 diabetes are losing body fat and exercising daily, but many Americans resist diet changes and an active lifestyle. Of all the cases of diabetes in the US, about 90% are Type 2, which means there is a proportion of that 90% can be prevented or reversed into remission.
Major contributors leading to these diseases are sedentary living combined with the atrocious American diet, especially our overconsumption of “processed foods.” Here’s why eating a poor diet has a negative impact on your health. What are processed foods?
Ultraprocessed foods such as sweetened cereals, soft drinks, chicken tenders, hot dogs, french fries, frozen pizzas and chips could lead to a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. In general, any food that is not in its natural state is considered to be processed in some way. In the extreme (ultra-processing), foods can be loaded with chemicals, artificial substances, highly refined ingredients, sugar, and salt. Such items offer no nutritional value, but are used to enhance flavor, texture, coloring, and sweetness, factors that keep us coming back for more.
Processing also is a major source of total fat, saturated, and trans-fats in the diet. Unfortunately, highly processed foods tend to taste good and often are less expensive ― the perfect health-destroying combination. What foods are most commonly processed?
Step up your frozen pizza game with these shippable options What foods undergo a high degree of processing? Here is a small sampling […]
What are processed foods and why are they bad for you? 4 things to know
