India is the diabetic capital of the world. However, despite many studies done on ultra-processed food and its link to obesity-related type-2 diabetes in the West, not many such studies have been done on Indian diets. Recently, a government-funded trial was done on ultra-processed food in the Indian diet. The trial was conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research as well as the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation or MDRF.
Ultra-Processed Food Items Are A Leading Cause For Diabetes In India
According to an article which was recently published by The Print, the study was published On October 3, 2024, in the ‘International Journal Of Food Sciences and Nutrition’. The study was based on surveys that were conducted from 2008 to 2020 across 31 Indian states and union territories.
In 2021, it was estimated that a whopping 10.1 crore Indians suffer from diabetes. In order to fight the disease, a low-AGE diet is crucial. AGE is a concept that will be discussed shortly. It is mainly found in ultra-processed food items like cakes, chips, cookies and more.
Reducing consumption of ultra-processed food items or consuming items with low-AGE can be crucial for the country to fight the disease in the long run.
What Are Advanced Glycation End Products Or AGEs?
Advanced glycation end products or AGEs are potentially toxic compounds that are formed in the bloodstream. These compounds increase the risk of obesity-related type 2 diabetes and are also linked to a number of health problems.
Glycation is a non-enzymatic chemical process which produces harmful reactions in the body. Low-AGE food items include fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well as low-fat milk. Oxidative stress is especially harmful for people with obesity.
These food items are also incredibly helpful in reducing oxidative stress in the body. India has one of the highest numbers of diabetic people in the world. Fighting the disease is crucial for the country’s healthy future.
Did you find this study enlightening? How often do you consume ultra-processed food? Let us know in the comments section below!
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