The Western diet is considered a high energy diet, largely on account of the fact that it contains high amounts of sugar and fat. While fat is high in energy, sugar is much lower in energy, containing just under half the amount of energy as an equivalent amount of fat. However, sugar is easy to consume as it is sweet, dissolves readily, and can make bland food palatable and easily consumed. Diets containing sugar and fat are therefore usually high in energy as when consumed together the palatability of both nutrients, along with their tendency to be overeaten, contributes significantly more energy to the diet than might be needed. The main problem with overconsumption of energy, is that it leads to the generation of free radicals, and this increases oxidative stress. These free radicals are a by-product of the process of utilising the nutrients for energy production. Free radicals are a significant cause of disease and so high energy diets are associated with the development of a number of serious diseases.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, protect Yourself
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