Processed products have several health drawbacks. One of them is the presence of artificial additives. This class of products, like sweeteners or preservatives, can cause long-term adverse effects.
While they have been shown to be safe in a short period of time, they are capable of influencing markers associated with metabolic health. An example would be insulin resistance readings. Regular intake of some artificial sweeteners can produce an increase in this resistance, thus increasing the risk of diabetes.
Artificial additives, risk difficult to quantify
One of the problems encountered by experts in assessing the risk of using additives is the lack of studies on the long-term safety of the same. Even so, it’s easy to find articles that associate taking these chemicals with an increased risk of developing disease.
For example, in the a study published in the journal Autoimmunity Reviews the consequences of taking these products on the permeability of the intestinal barrier are analysed. The changes observed are associated with an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases in the medium or long term.
Possible relationship to diabetes
The intake of foods rich in additives is often associated with alterations in the markers of the metabolic state. As, Aspartame consumption linked to increased insulin resistance and the risk of obesity in the medium term, according to a study published in 2016.
For this reason, artificial additives are not an effective substitute for traditional sugars. They must be consumed in moderation and in small quantities.
Artificial additives and cancer risk
In addition to artificial sweeteners, There is another class of additives whose safety has not been proven. Especially those used in the meat industry have a higher risk of developing cancer-type diseases.
Indeed, there are studies like the one published in the magazine The Lancet, which link regular consumption of processed red meat to the risk of developing colorectal cancer. These types of meat products are usually seasoned and adulterated, on a regular basis, with artificial additives.
Moreover, consumption of white or red meat as such has not been linked to an increased risk of diseaseso the problem is attributed only to the additives.
Prioritize fresh food
The basis of any healthy diet lies in the need to favor the consumption of fresh foods over processed ones. In this way we ensure a correct supply of nutrients, including antioxidants, which can be positively correlated with the reduction of the risk of disease.
Industrial products usually contain additives and refined oils in their composition. The wholesomeness of this type of food is up for debate. Its high in lipid type trans it gives them an inflammatory potential that can have a lot to do with various metabolic and complex diseases.
Healthy diet with few artificial additives
When proposing a healthy eating pattern, it is necessary to limit the consumption of processed foods. The implications of getting additives into the body are not known for sure. Therefore, the best recommendation is prudence and reduce its presence in the diet as much as possible.
Yes, red meat has been shown to have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. For this reason, its recruitment must be punctual.
Other additives whose quality is debated are artificial sweeteners. This class of substances is capable of altering the permeability of the intestinal barrier, which can affect your chances of developing an autoimmune disease.
Furthermore, the intake of these sweeteners leads to an increase in insulin resistance. This parameter indicates an increased predisposition to diabetes and obesity. Taking into account that both diseases are prevalent today, it is best to moderate the consumption of foods sweetened with these chemicals.
We must remember that a healthy diet is one that gives priority to fresh food. Furthermore, it is good to integrate it with the usual practice of physical exercise.
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