The typical Western diet has been shown to possess a number of detrimental health effects. In particular, regular consumption of the diet can increase the risk of arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, inflammatory conditions, mental disorders and cognitive degeneration. The reason for this is that the foods contained within the diet have a number of properties that lead to these effects. Firstly, the foods are generally high in calories brought about by the high sugar and fat content. This increases oxidation in cells because as food is oxidised, free radicals are produced as a byproduct. At the same time the foods are low in antioxidants, and so there is no protection from this high rate of oxidation, leading to cell and tissue damage. This problem is compounded by the fact that the foods are also addictive, and so overeating them is much more likely. Eating Western food therefore accelerates the ageing process and the diseases that result are reflective of the internal ageing of cells and tissues.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
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