Recent health studies show that eating a lot of carbohydrates could be putting yourself at an increased risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Although you may love pasta, freshly baked breads and pastries and homemade fries, a low-carb meal plan may help you live longer.
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that causes hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) when your body is unable to produce enough insulin or can't properly use the insulin it produces. Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in people over 40 who are overweight with unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity and a family history of the disease. In recent years, however, the diagnosis is being seen in younger and younger patients. According to the International Diabetes Foundation, it's estimated that more than 3 million people around the world have type 2 diabetes, but half of these people don't even know they have it.
How Does A Low-Carb Diet Help?
Type 2 diabetes is a serious medical condition, but studies show that healthy, low-carb eating habits and regular exercise can prevent the onset of the disease – and even reverse symptoms and complications in people who already have it. Recent studies conducted at Ohio State University show that higher amounts of saturated fat in your food has little effect on cholesterol levels, but increased carbohydrates raised Palmitoleic acid, a fatty acid linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Contrary to findings by the National Health Service that the intake of saturated fats in the diet should be as low as possible, studies show that eating a healthy, low-carb diet forces your body to burn saturated fat. It also reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. Since carbohydrates are converted to sugar for your body's energy, reducing the amount of carbohydrates you eat helps control and maintain safe blood sugar levels in your body.
What Are Good Sources Of Saturated Fat?
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Natural cheeses
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Full-fat yogurts
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Non-processed meats
What Are Good Sources Of Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates turn into sugar that your body uses for energy, but complex carbohydrates – fiber and starch – slow down the absorption of simple sugars and help stabilize your blood sugar levels.
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beans, legumes
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green leafy vegetables
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fruits/berries
Maintaining a healthy, balanced meal plan, along with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle is vital to your good health, especially as you age. To learn more about healthy lifestyle choices, contact us at Matrix Age Management in Amarillo. We can provide a customized, proactive approach to aging and health just for you.
