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Brilio.net - Flour-based food dishes are very common at banquets, from side dishes to desserts. It is not surprising that flour is one of the basic human food ingredients. However, did you know that consuming flour foods too often has side effects that are very dangerous for the body?
In fact, natural or processed flour has lost various important nutrients in the manufacturing process. As a result, what is stored in it is only carbohydrates and high sugar levels which are very dangerous if consumed too often. It is not surprising that many people experience health problems, because they are caused by increased calories and too high a sugar intake, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Apart from that, the side effects of consuming too many foods made from flour cause disruption in the function of vital body organs such as the heart and stomach. There needs to be awareness from every party to prevent this health problem from continuing to spread. If you are interested in exploring information about the side effects of consuming flour foods too often, you can get it in this article.
No need to wait any longer, here are seven side effects of consuming flour foods too often, as reported by brilio.net from various sources on Monday (20/5).
1. Obesity.
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Flour is often the base ingredient for many foods that are high in calories and low in nutrients, such as white bread, cakes, pastries, pasta and processed snack foods. Excessive consumption of these foods can contribute significantly to uncontrolled weight gain and obesity. Refined flour loses most of its fiber during its processing.
Fiber is an important nutrient that helps slow blood sugar absorption and makes you feel full longer. Without enough fiber, a person may tend to feel hungry more quickly and consume more calories. You should also note that processed flour-based foods often have a high glycemic index, which means they are quickly digested and absorbed by the body.
This causes a rapid spike in blood sugar followed by a sharp drop. These spikes and drops in blood sugar can increase hunger and trigger the desire to eat more, especially foods high in sugar and other carbohydrates. Therefore, consuming flour foods too often, especially those that are processed and high in calories, can significantly increase the risk of obesity.
2. Diabetes.
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Consuming foods high in flour too often, especially those made from refined flour, can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Foods that are high in starch are often also high in calories and may contain saturated and trans fats. Excessive consumption of these calories and fat can lead to fat accumulation, especially in the abdominal area, which is the biggest risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
In addition, foods made from refined flour are often low in fiber and do not provide a sustained feeling of fullness, causing a person to consume more calories overall. Excessive calorie consumption is what then causes weight gain.
Being overweight is one of the main risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Overall, consuming foods high in starch too frequently, especially those made from refined and processed flour can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
3. Disorders of body metabolism.
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Consuming foods high in flour too often, especially those made from processed flour, can cause metabolic disorders in the body. The reason is, foods made from flour tend to have a high glycemic index which can increase blood sugar levels quickly after consumption. If this occurs continuously, it can cause an imbalance in blood sugar regulation and impaired carbohydrate metabolism.
Keep in mind that consuming too much food high in starch can cause insulin resistance. This makes the body have to produce more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This insulin resistance can cause disorders of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Excessive consumption of foods high in flour can also increase cholesterol levels. This condition can increase the risk of heart disease and other metabolic disorders.
4. Insulin resistance.
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Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body's cells no longer respond well to insulin, requiring larger amounts of insulin to lower blood sugar levels to normal levels. Consuming too many foods high in starch, especially those made from refined flour, can contribute to the development of insulin resistance.
Foods that are high in starch often contain simple, easily digestible carbohydrates, such as sugar and refined flour. Excessive consumption of simple carbohydrates can cause rapid blood sugar spikes and increase the risk of insulin resistance. In addition, foods made from processed flour tend to have a high glycemic index.
This increase in blood sugar triggers the release of insulin by the pancreas. Over a long period of time, repeated exposure to high blood sugar levels can cause the body's cells to become less responsive to insulin, which is known as insulin resistance.
5. Risk of stomach disease.
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Consuming foods high in flour too often, especially those made from processed flour, can increase the risk of gastric disease. Some foods that are high in starch, especially those containing added sugar or preservatives, can cause stomach irritation. Increased stomach acid and acid reflux can cause symptoms such as pain, bloating, and discomfort.
Consuming excessive foods high in starch also increases the risk of ulcers or gastritis. Spicy, fatty or acidic foods can stimulate excessive stomach acid production. As a result, it can damage the stomach lining and cause inflammation. Additionally, foods high in refined flour and added sugar can trigger acid reflux, where stomach acid rises back up into the esophagus. Chronic acid reflux can cause damage to the esophagus.
6. Risk of heart disease.
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Consuming foods high in flour too often, especially those made from processed flour, can increase the risk of heart disease. Refined flour foods are often high in calories and can contain saturated and trans fats, especially if processed with added butter, oil, or other fatty ingredients. Excessive consumption of saturated and trans fats has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, as they can increase levels of bad cholesterol in the blood.
Apart from that, foods made from flour can also increase bad cholesterol levels because they contain simple carbohydrates and are low in fiber. Simple carbohydrates in processed flour can increase triglyceride production, which can then convert cholesterol particles into a smaller, denser form. As a result, these cholesterol particles clog the arteries.
7. Lack of important nutrients.
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Eating foods high in starch can cause deficiencies in important nutrients, such as vitamins, fiber, minerals and other nutrients that are important for the body's metabolism. Refined flour is often processed so that it loses most of its fiber. Fiber is an important nutrient that helps maintain digestive health, regulates blood sugar levels, controls cholesterol, and makes you feel full longer.
Lack of fiber in the diet can increase the risk of constipation and increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Vitamins and minerals are also important for optimal body function, including nutrient absorption, brain function, the immune system, and bone formation. Deficiencies in these nutrients can cause various health problems, including muscle weakness, fatigue, impaired growth, and reduced resistance to infection.
Additionally, starchy foods often lack antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body that can cause cell damage and contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and premature aging.
It is important to choose foods well and include diverse nutritional sources in your daily intake, such as whole grains, fruit, vegetables, vegetable and animal proteins, and healthy fats. This is to ensure the body gets all the nutrients it needs for optimal health.
(Mgg/Zidan Fajri)
(brl/mal)
