Study Finds Western Diets Are Harming Global Health with High Costs of Processed Foods
In a recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers review the adverse effects of Western diets on human health.
The increased consumption of processed food products that are high in refined sugars, fats, and salts has been observed throughout the world. This shift in dietary habits, which is often referred to as the ‘Westernization of diets,’ has been largely attributed to the affordability and availability of these food products.
Despite the economic advantages of a Western diet, regular consumption of these foods can significantly raise the risk of both chronic and noncommunicable diseases. These include stroke, ischemic brain disease, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic dysfunction-related fatty liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colon cancer.
Several studies have highlighted the negative impact of the Western diet on the human gut microbiome. The reduced consumption of dietary fibre, replaced by additives such as emulsifiers and artificial sweeteners, has led to microbial rarefaction, a decrease in the diversity and abundance of essential microorganisms in the gut microbiome.
Ultra-processed foods, trans fats, and inflammatory ingredients, all of which are present in high concentrations in the Western diet, increase the risk of developing IBD.The rising prevalence of several liver diseases, some of which include liver steatosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, has also been attributed to the Westernization of diets.
Western diets, characterised by high sugar and fat content and low fibre, heighten the risk of chronic diseases by promoting systemic inflammation and gut dysbiosis. Hence, there is a pressing need for healthcare and public health professionals to raise awareness about the harmful effects of such diets and to engage in global discussions on the affordability and sustainability of healthier eating options.
References: Adolph, T. E., & Tilg, H. (2024). Western diets and chronic diseases. Nature Medicine. doi:10.1038/s41591-024-03165-6
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