Khaberni - Health experts have revealed daily dietary mistakes made by many people unintentionally, which gradually contribute to increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Dr. Frank Dumont, an internal medicine physician and executive medical director at Virta Health, specializing in metabolic health, explained that two common dietary choices many people make without awareness of their health consequences are drinking fruit juices and eating breaded fried chicken.
Fruit Juices: Apparent Benefits and Hidden Risks
While juices are considered a good source of vitamins and minerals, they lose most of the essential fibers found in whole fruits, which play a central role in regulating blood sugar, lowering cholesterol, and enhancing satiety.
Without these fibers, the juice becomes a concentrated sugary drink, quickly raising glucose levels and prompting the body to secrete more insulin, which over time increases the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Dumont points out that the response to these sugars varies from person to person, particularly among those with metabolic disorders or high insulin resistance, as some fruits may become a burden on their bodies.
However, whole fruit remains a healthy choice, thanks to its fiber and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with heart disease and cancer.
Fried chicken, often soaked in oils rich in trans or saturated fats, raises harmful cholesterol (LDL) and promotes inflammation and vascular damage.
These factors collectively contribute to arterial hardening and the accumulation of plaques, which impede blood flow and increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.
Breadcrumb mixes usually contain large amounts of salt, further increasing the likelihood of developing high blood pressure.
Grilled chicken is a better alternative as it retains the protein value without the excess fats or refined carbohydrates, especially when accompanied by a salad rich in fresh vegetables.
It's worth noting that the Mediterranean diet—based on fish, legumes, vegetables, and whole products, with reduced meat and dairy—has been one of the most proven dietary patterns in reducing the risks of cancer, strokes, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Low-carbohydrate diets are also used alongside some cancer treatments, such as breast cancer, where the intake of high glycemic index carbohydrates is linked to an increased risk of death, while carbohydrates from vegetables may support survival chances.
Dumont emphasizes that providing the correct information and practical support for patients helps them adopt realistic and effective changes, which often have an impact exceeding that of traditional medications.
