Summary: A recent study by researchers from the Open University of Catalonia in Spain has revealed that consuming more than 45% of daily calories after 5 PM can significantly alter blood sugar (glucose) levels, leading to adverse health effects. This holds true regardless of a person's body weight or fat percentage. The study, published in the journal Nutrition & Diabetes, emphasizes the importance of the timing of meals in managing glucose metabolism.
Key Findings:
Glucose Regulation Disruption: The study found that eating late leads to weakened glucose tolerance, meaning the body struggles to process and store glucose properly. This can lead to long-term consequences like an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic inflammation, which damages blood vessels.
Impact on Insulin Sensitivity: The body's ability to handle glucose is compromised at night because insulin production decreases, and cells become less sensitive to the hormone due to the body's circadian rhythm. The study highlights that "when we eat" might be as important as "what we eat."
Study Design: The study involved 26 participants, aged 50 to 70, with overweight or obesity and either type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. The participants were divided into two groups: one group consumed most of their daily calories before 5 PM, and the other group consumed 45% or more of their calories after 5 PM. Both groups ate the same amount and types of food but at different times.
Conclusion:
The study suggests that eating a lighter, earlier dinner is not only beneficial for weight management but also improves glucose metabolism, reducing the risk of developing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The timing of meals has now been shown to play a crucial role in overall health, adding to the growing evidence that meal timing can impact long-term well-being.
Post a Comment