A recnt study has revealed a link between diets rich in takeout and high levels of underlying inflammation that can cause cardiovascular disease.
The study , published in the journal Food Science Nutrition, found that those who consume large amounts of processed food are more likely to have higher risk factors for heart disease, according to Medical News Today.
International researchers relied on measuring systemic inflammation levels using a dietary inflammation index to determine the risk of inflammation associated with consuming certain foods.
They then analyzed cross-sectional data over 10 years involving 8,556 participants in the U.S. National Survey of Nutrition and Health between 2009 and 2019.
In addition to the relationship between high consumption of processed food and a high inflammation index, the researchers concluded that excessive consumption of processed foods is associated with a troubled heart profile characterized by low levels of good cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides, fasting blood sugar, insulin, and insulin resistance.
The researchers noted that higher consumption of ready-made food is associated with higher mortality rates , but the study does not prove a direct link.
How does ready-made food affect health?
Dr. Jane Morgan said that processed foods contain ingredients that are harmful to the heart.
She explained that ready-made food increases the risk of heart disease not because of a single ingredient, but as a result of a recurring combination of nutrients, additives, and preparation methods that negatively affect blood pressure, blood lipids, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and the function of the blood vessel lining.
The doctor pointed out that restaurants use excessive amounts of sodium and unhealthy fats, in addition to ultra-processed ingredients, sweeteners, preservatives, and flavor enhancers.
Morgan attributed the increased demand for ready-made food to technological development, stressing that the accelerated pace of life and the simplification of activities have led to a reduction in the number of meals.
She asserted that this contributes to building a generation that is heavier than previous generations, and also promotes chronic inflammation, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure , which are the main factors causing heart disease.
For her part, Michelle Rothenstein, a nutritionist specializing in cardiac prevention, pointed out that frequent reliance on ready-made food often reflects broader pressures such as busy work schedules, limited cooking resources, irregular meals, and disrupted sleep, all of which increase the risk of heart disease.
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