A study conducted by researchers at Ohio State University analyzed data from over 36,000 US adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2005 and 2018. The research was planned to identify the major contributors to saturated fats and added sugar in the American diet and also the less obvious stealth sources that often go unnoticed.
Also Read: Cholera Outbreak in Sudan has Killed At Least 22 People
Researchers from OSU led by Christopher Taylor professor and director of medical dietetics sought to uncover the stealthy sources of saturated fats and added sugars that might contribute to exceeding the recommended daily intake.
The study analyzed data from 36,378 US adults aged 19 and older, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2005 and 2018.
Participants in the NHANES survey provided 24-hour dietary recall data, which the researchers matched with the US Department of Agriculture’s What We Eat in America (WWEIA) food categories.
This analysis allowed the researchers to identify the top food and beverage sources contributing to total saturated fats and added sugar intake.
The sources of saturated fats were found to be cheese, pizza, ice cream and eggs. Leading sources of added sugar included soft drinks, tea, fruit drinks, cakes and pies.
Foods such as chicken, cold cuts, cream substitutes, fried potatoes and whole milk were identified as contributing to the overall saturated fat intake.
Similarly tomato-based condiments like ketchup, cereal bars, energy drinks and even yeast breads were found to add huge amounts of sugar to the diet.
Chicken breast often promoted as a lean source of protein still contains small amounts of saturated fats. When consumed regularly, these amounts can add up contributing to the overall intake of saturated fats in a stealthy manner.
Condiments such as ketchup and salad dressings, typically not considered unhealthy in small quantities can increase sugar intake due to the hidden sugars they contain.
Despite the knowledge of the harmful effects of saturated fats and added sugar many people unknowingly exceed the recommended daily limits.
The overconsumption of these dietary components has been linked to several serious health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer.
High intake of saturated fat is strongly associated with elevated cholesterol levels, which can lead to the development of heart disease.
Excessive consumption of added sugar increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by contributing to insulin resistance and promoting unhealthy weight gain.
Both saturated fats and added sugar have been linked to an increased risk of various cancers including breast and colorectal cancer.
This inclusion of sugar in the diet makes it challenging for individuals to adhere to dietary guidelines, which recommend that no more than 10% of daily calories come from added sugar.
Also Read: WHO Declares Mpox Global Health Emergency for Second Time in 2 Years
Given the findings of this study it is clear that more needs to be done to help consumers manage their intake of saturated fats and added sugar.
The research team is developing a tool that could prove invaluable in this effort, an app designed to assess specific nutrients of concern in foods, even those that are generally perceived as healthy.
Educating the public about the hidden sources of saturated fats and added sugar is crucial. People need to be aware that healthy foods like chicken breast or seafood may still contribute to their intake of these harmful nutrients.
Consumers should be encouraged to read food labels carefully, paying attention to the high-fat or high-sugar items and also those that might be less apparent.
The study also points to the need for more personalized dietary recommendations. Different subpopulations including various racial and ethnic groups may have different dietary patterns that contribute to their intake of saturated fats and added sugar.
For example, Black participants in the study were found to have a higher contribution of saturated fats from chicken, while Asian participants derived more saturated fat from nuts and seeds.
Such insights are important for developing tailored dietary guidelines that can more effectively address the specific needs of different groups.
Saturated fats are known to contribute to fatty deposits in the blood vessels, which can lead to atherosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries. This condition is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases including heart attacks and strokes.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020-2025) recommend that saturated fats should account for less than 10% of daily caloric intake to minimize these risks.
Similarly added sugars which are sugars and syrups added to foods and beverages during processing are linked to various health problems.
High intake of added sugars has been associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Like saturated fats, the recommended daily intake of added sugars is also less than 10% of total daily calories.
Always check the nutrition labels of the foods you consume, even those you think are healthy. Pay close attention to the amount of saturated fat and added sugars per serving.
Even foods that are healthy in moderation can contribute to excessive intake of fats and sugars if consumed in large quantities. Keep portion sizes in check to avoid overconsumption.
Whenever possible choose fresh whole foods over processed alternatives. Fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins are less likely to contain hidden fats and sugars.
Processed foods are often high in both saturated fats and added sugars. Try to reduce your intake of processed snacks, ready meals and sugary beverages.
Cooking at home gives you full control over the ingredients you use, allowing you to avoid hidden fats and sugars found in restaurant meals and processed foods.
Also Read: New Zealand Charity Accidentally Distributes Methamphetamine-Infused Candy
