Trimming sugar, trans fats, and red meat: The everyday foods leading to silent inflammation

Foods rich in sugar

Excessive sugar in our daily diet increases the risk of overweight, obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, and tooth decay. Regularly consuming large amounts can cause inflammatory conditions in our bodies or intensify their symptoms.

It's important to note that this harmful substance is not only found in a sugar bowl but also in such food products as cookies, bars, cereal, ready-made meals, sauces, pastries, and carbonated drinks. To circumvent many health issues, we should avoid high-fructose corn syrup, a common substitute for refined sugar.

Products containing trans fats

Trans fats are a form of saturated fat. When consumed excessively, they raise the level of bad LDL cholesterol in the blood, thereby contributing to the onset of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. These products can also trigger inflammatory conditions in the body. Foods with high trans fat content include fast dishes, heavily processed foods, and hard margarines.

Red meat

Regular consumption of red and highly processed meats also promotes the development of inflammatory conditions. Healthier alternatives include lean poultry, plant-based foods, and fatty seafood.

Refined carbohydrates

Foods rich in refined carbohydrates produced using white flour can lead to weight gain and exacerbate inflammatory conditions. These include wheat-derived products like white bread, rice, and pasta. Furthermore, these foods lack valuable bran and other essential nutrients.