High-sugar diet increases risk of heart disease in healthy people

High-sugar diet increases risk of heart disease in healthy people

Dr KK Aggarwal

A study from the UK has shown that healthy people who eat high amounts of sugar are at an increased risk of developing heart disease due to alteration in their fat metabolism.

The study reported October 4, 2017 in the journal Clinical Science examined two groups of men with either high or low levels of liver fat, and fed them a high (650 calories daily) or low sugar (≤140 calories daily) diet to find out if the amount of liver fat influences the impact of sugar on their cardiovascular health.

Men who had high levels of liver fat (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]) had changes in their fat metabolism that are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes after 12 weeks on the high sugar diet.

What is important to note in this study is that when the group of healthy men with a low level of liver fat consumed high amounts of sugar, their liver fat increased and their fat metabolism became similar to that of men with NAFLD putting them at risk of heart disease.

With the festive season coming up, we all should take care to not eat too many sweets. Diwali sweets have very high content of white sugar and cause metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and consequent increase in blood pressure, blood sugar and body weight. Some sweets may be made in trans fats (vanaspati), which lower the good cholesterol and increase bad cholesterol.

The findings of the study are especially relevant for the young who regularly consume foods and drinks high in added sugars. Lifestyle disorders like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, NAFLD are escalating in our country mainly due to an unhealthy lifestyle. What is of more concern is that these diseases are now affecting people at a younger age.

(Source: University of Surrey Press Release, October 4, 2017)

Diet rich in saturated fats can increase the risk of prostate cancer

Diet rich in saturated fats can increase the risk of prostate cancer

 Sedentary lifestyle and obesity are other major contributors

New Delhi, 14 June 2017: According to statistics, prostate cancer is the third leading cancer in Indian men after lung and mouth cancers and accounts for 7% of all cancers. Estimates suggest that this incidence is expected to rise rapidly by the year 2020.  While genetic factors have a role to play, unhealthy lifestyle is another important risk factor for the high occurrence of prostate cancer. Unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and smoking are likely to increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Men with fathers or brothers who had prostate cancer have 90% chances of developing this disease.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "An increased migration of rural population to the urban areas, change in lifestyles, increased awareness, and access to medical facility have led to detection of more cases of prostate cancer. We are not very far behind western countries in terms of the incidence of this disease. A sedentary lifestyle and obesity can trigger the chances of prostate cancer in men. Male patients over 50 years of age with symptoms of lower urinary tract infection should go for annual PSA testing. Urinary infections, frequent urination, retention of urine, incontinence and even erectile dysfunction are all possible symptoms of prostate cancer. Men should not suffer in silence and get themselves checked if any of these symptoms persist."

Diets high in saturated fat increase the risk of prostate cancer. Men who consume high saturated animal fat diet are two times more likely to have disease progression after prostate cancer surgery than men with lower saturated fat intake.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "Once the disease is diagnosed, the next course of action is a combination of treatments, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or radiation therapy depending on how advanced the disease is. Surgical removal of prostate gland is another option. Today, laser techniques are also available which make the removal of prostate easy."

Here are some tips for men to prevent development of prostate cancer.

•  Choose a low-fat diet
• Consume more of plant fats and less of animal fats.
• Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
• Eat foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid red meat and high-fat dairy products.
• Quit smoking.

Eating more fruits & vegetables improves well-being

Eating more fruits & vegetables improves well-being
The beneficial effects of fruits and vegetables on physical health are well-recognized. And, several studies have established the advantages of eating a fruit and vegetable-rich diet. A new study published online February 3, 2017 in PLos One (PLoS One. 2017 Feb 3;12(2):e0171206) has further added to the repertoire of health benefits of fruits and vegetables by demonstrating the psychological benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables. 
The study participants included 171 young adults aged 18-25 years. They were grouped into two: one group was assigned into a diet-as-usual control condition. They took their normal diets and were sent regular text-reminders to increase their intake of fruits and vegetables and were also given a voucher to purchase fruits and vegetables. In the second group, or a fruit and vegetable intervention condition, the study participants were given two additional daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables along with their normal diet.
The researchers found that only those young adults who were provided with high-quality fruits and vegetables showed improvements to their psychological well-being with increases in vitality, flourishing and motivation across the study duration of two weeks. The strongest effects were found for motivation. However, no changes in symptoms of depression and anxiety were observed.
The researchers state that “our research suggests that simply educating people about fruits and vegetables and reminding them to eat their recommended daily intake may not be sufficient in ensuring the wider population reaps the psychological benefits of fruits and vegetables consumption. Perhaps greater emphasis needs to be placed on actually providing people with fresh fruits and vegetables (stocking more fruits and vegetables in dorms, cafeterias, workplaces, substituting fruit for dessert, and offering free fruit for people when they shop)”.
Follow these tips for a healthy meal • Eat less and enjoy your food by eating slowly • Fill half your plate with fruit and vegetables. • Avoid oversized portions which can cause weight gain. • At least half of your grains should be whole grains. • Limit consumption of food high in trans fats and sugar. • Choose healthy fats. Use fat–free or low fat milk and/or dairy products. • Drink plenty of water. Avoid sugary drinks. • Avoid foods that have high sodium levels such as snacks, processed foods. • Above all, balance your food choices with your activity level. Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA & HCFI

Eat more of healthy unsaturated fats to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes

Eat more of healthy unsaturated fats to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes Results of a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled feeding trials published July 19, 2016 in PLoS Medicine indicate that substituting dietary carbohydrates with saturated fat does not have a favorable effect on blood glucose. While, substituting carbohydrate and saturated fat with a diet rich in unsaturated fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) led to better control of blood sugar. And, compared to carbohydrates, saturated fats or MUFA, the most consistent favorable effects were observed with PUFA as evident by the improved glycemia, insulin resistance and insulin secretion capacity. The trial summarized findings of 102 randomized controlled trials, which included 4,660 participants. · Replacing 5% energy from carbohydrate with saturated fats had no significant effect on fasting, but lowered fasting insulin. · Replacing carbohydrate with MUFA lowered HbA1c, 2 h post-challenge insulin and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). · Replacing carbohydrate with PUFA significantly lowered A1c and fasting insulin. · Replacing saturated fats with PUFA significantly lowered glucose, A1c, C-peptide, and HOMA. Major organizations recommend replacing saturated fats with MUFA or PUFA, mainly to improve lipid profiles rather than glucose-insulin metrics, for the primary and secondary prevention of diabetes. These findings suggest that eating more unsaturated fats in place of carbohydrates or saturated fats may improve glycemic control and focusing on PUFA in particular may have additional benefits on insulin secretion capacity.