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Sunday 15 November 2020

Bad news for food manufacturers: the low-carb word is out !

"It is becoming obvious that high consumption of carbs is driving waves of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Joanna Blythman writes

The low-carb diet market is expected to grow by 6.4% by 2027. More of us are limiting the carbs on our plates, a worrying trend for food manufacturers whose business model depends on highly processed forms of corn, wheat, grain and rice.

The distinction between ‘good’ (complex) and ‘bad’ (simple) carbohydrates used to have considerable traction, but it hasn’t brought on board doubters persuaded to follow a ‘keto’ or ‘paleo’ eating approach.

Now Big Carb is trying to reverse that trend. A press release landed on my desk, trumpeting Against the Grain, “a new paper [that] reveals that cereals offer greater health and nutrition benefits than commonly acknowledged, despite often being considered ‘nutrient-poor’”. Two of the three authors of this review are economists at the CGIAR International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre.

Their conclusion is so desperate it’s almost amusing: “Only relative to other ‘nutrient-rich’ foodstuffs can cereals be described as ‘nutrient-poor’.” Well, I might appreciate the joke more if the authors stopped there, and didn’t go on to argue that to feed the world “within planetary boundaries”, current intakes of wholegrain foods should more than double. But it’s becoming stark-staring obvious that high consumption of carbs is driving the waves of obesity and type 2 diabetes washing up everywhere from the UK to India.

To be fair, the authors refer obliquely to the need to “address tricky issues like the current over-processing, to make the most of the nutrition potential of maize and wheat”. But that still leaves them behind the curve.

Worldwide awareness is growing that our bodies metabolise carbs much in the same way as sugar. In the UK, Dr David Unwin, a GP who has had positive results with diabetic patients, has developed visually striking infographics, depicting the glycemic load of any given food in terms of the equivalent number of teaspoons of sugar it contains. His infographics had their endorsement from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence removed this year, following a complaint that they weren’t “evidence-based”.

Let NICE play safe. The low-carb word is out and unstoppable. Many people who previously struggled to control their weight and blood sugar are finding that it works for them."
Words above from article here
h/t Marks Daily Apple here


This blog brings a variety of articles, studies and recipe ideas, and it is important to note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use a reliable meter.

All the best Jan

25 comments:

Ana Mínguez Corella said...

Great work... Stay healthy and happy... Have a nice week

Elephant's Child said...

It may have taken a while but the word is out. And in my eyes at least, less processed is ALWAYS better.

Sandi said...

I feel so much better when I limit carbs.

Christine said...

Good post

DVArtist said...

Great post! With diabetes in my family, (not me) we have always been aware of the good and bad carbs. Glad you posted this.

Tom said...

...carbs are BIG business.

CJ Kennedy said...

Studies can show just about anything. It all depends on who is funding the study. I wonder if the cereal industry was funding this particular study.

Lorrie said...

So much of our dietary advice has a hidden agenda - such as the grain industry. For years the recommendation was 4-8 servings of grain per day, according to the Canadian Food Guide. Fortunately, that has been revised and is much more in line with a healthy diet now.

peppylady (Dora) said...

I think more people is looking into a healthier life style.
Stay Safe and Coffee is on

Jeff said...

Somewhere I read, "If your grandmother wouldn't have recognized it as food, don't eat it. It's amazing how we have come to depend on process foods for a variety (like a variety of corn chips is a good thing).

http://www.fromarockyhillside.com

dellgirl said...

Thanks for sharing this great information. This is good to know. Wishing You a wonderful week, Stay Safe, my friend!

Valerie-Jael said...

Good article! Have a good week, Valerie

Jean said...

Thannk you for this. I have shared it on Facebook. X

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I always enjoy reading how authors of studies interpret their work.

The only thing I know for sure is, I'm NOT a robot!!!

Margaret D said...

Interesting read.

eileeninmd said...

Great post and info. I think most people are trying to eat healthy.
Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a happy new week!

Teresa said...

Muy interesante. Feliz semana.

Sue said...

Everything about me is healthier if I cut the carbs, and it's the only way Neil can stay on top of his type 2. Take care and have a great week, Sue xx

Jeanie said...

This sounds like a perfect autumn dinner -- or winter, too!

Divers and Sundry said...

I hear of more and more people reducing their carbs even if they don't try to go really low. You're right. The word is out.

Snowbird said...

Well of course you were on the ball!xxx

DeniseinVA said...

This is a great article! It really makes you think what we put in our mouths. That old saying, "We are what we eat!" comes to mind. Thank you so much and I wish you great week.

Conniecrafter said...

I have seen a few more low carb options in the store but it makes you wonder what they have added to make up for what they took away

Lowcarb team member said...

Many thanks to you all for your comments and thoughts shared so far.

Thanks Jean for sharing this on Facebook :)

All the best Jan

Joseph William said...

Oh, really nice post! thanks for giving this advice.
List of Top healthy low sugar fruits, and veggies