How foods high in carbohydrates increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Doctors have long known that eating too much carbohydrate-rich foods like white bread and corn tortillas can be harmful to cardiovascular health. In a groundbreaking study, Tel Aviv University scientists have correctly explained why these foods increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Through arterial studies of students who eat a variety of foods, Dr. Michael Shechter of the University of Aviv Pharmacy and the Heart Research Institute of Sheba Medical Center, in collaboration with the Endocrine Research Institute - described exactly what happens inside the body when a person eats food that is harmful to the cardiovascular system. He found that foods with a blood sugar index (GI) swell the arteries of the arms for a few hours.

The elasticity of arteries in any part of the body can be an indicator of cardiovascular health . But when stretched over time, a sudden enlargement of the artery wall may cause some negative health effects, including a decrease in arterial elasticity, leading to heart disease and stroke. death.

Using the pioneering research techniques of Israeli labs, Dr. Shechter can describe what happens in our arteries before, during, and after eating foods rich in carbohydrates. This is an event in medical history. The results were published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Time to stay away from pastries?

'It is difficult to predict heart disease,' said Dr. Shechter. 'But doctors know that sugary foods can increase blood sugar quickly. People who are addicted to this type of food are at a higher risk of sudden death from heart attack than usual. Our research has linked data and pointed out the link between diet and what happens to arteries right away. '

Doctors have long known that foods like white bread and corn tortillas are not conducive to cardiovascular health. (Photo:: iStockphoto / Suzannah Skelton)

Similar to smoking warnings, this new study could lead to a new, convincing way of harming the body's bad diet.

With 56 healthy volunteers, the researchers divided them into four groups. One group ate cornflakes and milk, the other group only ate sugar, the third group ate the rice husk, while the fourth group drank white water. After 4 weeks, Dr. Shechter applied the method of 'arm response test' to each group. The test used an arm-tight tool similar to a blood pressure measuring device, thereby understanding the arterial activity during the measurement.

The results are very unexpected. Before the patients eat, their arterial activity is basically the same. But after eating food, except for the fourth group, arteries in all groups were reduced.

Membrane in arteries

Large indicators of arterial pressure are found in groups with high blood sugar indexes: group eating corn cake and sugar group. ' We know that sugar-rich foods have a bad effect on the heart. We now have a mechanism to explain how this happens, ' said Dr. Shechter. 'Foods like corn tortillas, white bread, French fries, and sugar beverages all cause excessive pressure on the arteries. For the first time, we have explained how high blood sugar affects the development of cardiovascular disease '. For sugar-rich foods, there seems to be a sudden and temporary loss of function in the inner lining of the arteries.

The state of the inner membrane is related to most disorders and diseases of the body. That is 'the most risky element of risk factors,' said Dr. Shechter. He has practiced at Tel Hashomer Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, where treatment can give patients immediately know if they are at risk for cardiovascular disease. Some patients from the US sometimes visit here to conduct cardiovascular examination.

So what is the advice after all these findings? Dr. Shechter says you should be close to foods with low blood sugar indicators such as oatmeal, vegetables and fruits, beans and nuts. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day is also a wise way to take care of your heart, he said.