We all encounter a bit of inflammation occasionally, and it’s a normal part of life. But when that slight inflammation grows into something more serious and chronic, it’s time to sit up and take notice.
Chronic inflammation can create a chain reaction leading to grave health concerns like cancer and type 2 diabetes. But did you know it’s also linked to weight gain and obesity?
The usual suspects, like sugary snacks and processed foods, are well-known culprits. Yet, there are certain ingredients you may not know about that could be sneaking into your diet and inflaming your body.
1. Vegetable Oils
Vegetable oils seem like a safe bet. After all, they’re made from vegetables, which are part of a healthy diet. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Lisa Richards, a nutrition expert, throws light on this by saying that vegetable oils can be the spark that ignites inflammation. It’s all about the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
“In the typical Western diet, omega-6 fatty acids are plentiful in vegetable oils like corn, soybean, and sunflower oils,” she notes. But consuming too many omega-6 fatty acids can rev up the inflammation engine in your body, stalling your weight loss progress.
So, what’s the solution? It’s simple – focus on healthy fats. “Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, act as a firefighter for inflammation,” Richards explains. Swapping vegetable oils with olive oil, rich in healthy fats, is a step in the right direction.
2. Artificial Sweeteners
We know sugar can lead to weight gain, so artificial sweeteners must be a better alternative, correct? Well, not exactly.
Joanna Wen, a weight loss coach, warns that these sweet substitutes might do more harm than good. “While they may seem like a healthy alternative to sugar, artificial sweeteners can spark inflammation, leading to weight gain and other health problems,” she cautions.
Prioritize Your Health & Shape Your Waistline
Making changes to your diet and eliminating these hidden inflammatory ingredients might feel challenging at first, but keep in mind that the effort is a worthy investment in your overall health.
By putting a healthy diet first and matching it with an effective workout routine, you’re not just taking a step towards a slimmer waistline; you’re embracing a healthier you.
Sources:
shefinds.com/unexpected-ingredients-inflammation-weight-gain/
