Carl Rogers, a founder of humanistic psychology, once said that a good life is a process, not a state of being. I would add a good diet is not highly processed, and it improves your being.
The evidence of the dangers of overly processed foods just keeps adding up. The latest study published in the BMJ, shows that common emulsifiers used in thousands of products to make sure liquids with oils and water in them stay well mixed and to prolong shelf life of some crackers, most margarines, and many mayonnaises and peanut butters, are likely to be increasing your risk for cardiovascular problems.
Tracking more than 95,000 adults, over age 18, for around 20 years, the researchers saw that five individual and two groups of emulsifiers were positively associated with a notable increased risk of heart disease. (Look for mention of cellulose emulsifiers and monoglycerides and diglycerides of fatty acids on labels).
This reinforces earlier animal studies that show emulsifiers alter your gut biome and trigger inflammation that is associated with increased risk for depression, dementia, heart disease, diabetes -- and a bad day.
The smart move is to reduce your exposure to emulsifiers as much as possible by making your own healthy sauces, dressings, peanut and nut butters and avoiding prepared baked goods. Check out the recipes in my "What to Eat When Cookbook" for an extraordinary variety of crema sauces, mint tahini sauce, and Cashew-naise and baked goods like Mango Almond Celebration Cake. To learn more about nutrition and your health, visit LongevityPlaybook.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2023 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
