High-Fat Diets May Outweigh Carbs in Metabolic Harm
New research finds that high-fat diets may cause more damage to metabolic health than high-carbohydrate ones, challenging some prevailing nutrition narratives. Other recent studies warn that over 70% of tested baby foods are ultraprocessed, and a carnivorous diet may reduce brain telomere length.
- The Penn State study finding high-fat diets more harmful than high-carb ones involved mice fed diets where protein was consistently 18% of total calories. The high-fat diet consisted of 40% fat and 42% carbohydrates, while the ketogenic diet was 81% fat and 1% carbohydrates. - In that mouse study, the high-fat and keto diets led to a doubling of body weight over 16 weeks and showed signs of liver damage and elevated blood sugar within just two weeks. In contrast, the mice on a high-carbohydrate diet (70% carbs, 11% fat) did not experience the same weight gain or liver damage. - A study from the University of Leeds analyzing over 600 baby food products found that 87% of baby snacks and 79% of baby cereals are ultra-processed. Some fruit-based chewy bars and gums for babies contained a shocking 67% of their calories from sugar. - The concern over ultra-processed baby foods extends beyond sugar, as they often contain additives like emulsifiers, thickeners, and flavor enhancers which may negatively impact the gut microbiome of infants, whose digestive systems are more vulnerable. - A carnivorous diet, by eliminating plant-based foods, lacks dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health and can lead to an imbalance in gut microbiota. This absence of fiber is also linked to a loss of short-chain fatty acid production, such as butyrate, which is important for intestinal health. - While telomeres, the protective caps on chromosomes, naturally shorten with age, this process can be influenced by lifestyle factors. Diets rich in antioxidants, such as those found in fruits and vegetables, and the Mediterranean diet have been associated with longer telomeres. - Conversely, some research has linked high total fat intake with shorter telomere length, particularly in men. The elimination of plant-based foods in a carnivorous diet removes access to crucial nutrients like vitamin C, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that help combat inflammation and support long-term cellular health. - The high protein intake characteristic of a carnivorous diet can place additional strain on the liver and kidneys, which are responsible for processing nitrogen waste from protein metabolism. This increased workload is associated with a higher risk of kidney stones and potential long-term organ stress.
