Eating a fatty fast food meal is never good for you, but drinking coffee along with it is even worse, according to a recent University of Guelph study.
The study finds that a healthy person’s blood sugar levels not only spike after eating a high-fat meal, but that the spike doubles after having both a fatty meal and (caffeinated) coffee. The blood sugar levels jump similar to those of people at risk for diabetes.
“The results tell us that saturated fat interferes with the body’s ability to clear sugars from the blood and, when combined with caffeinated coffee, the impact can be even worse,” said researcher Marie-Soleil Beaudoin, a PhD student who conducted the study with professors Lindsay Robinson and Terry Graham. “Having sugar remain in our blood for long periods is unhealthy because it can take a toll on our body’s organs.”
“Ultimately we have found that fat and caffeinated coffee are impairing the communication between the gut and the pancreas, which could be playing a role in why participants couldn’t clear the sugar from their blood as easily,” said Beaudoin.
The results of the study are particularly important for people at risk for metabolic diseases and type 2 diabetes.
If you have type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome (or are at risk of developing these conditions):
- Limit your caffeine intake.
- Limit the amount of saturated fats (found in red meats, processed foods, fast food meals, etc.) in your diet. Avoid caffeinated beverages if you eat a fatty meal.
- Have plenty of whole grains, vegetables and low G.I. foods.
- Keep hydrated with water.
- Stay active daily.
- If you are overweight or obese, lose the extra weight. Click here to see how Dr. Yik can help.
SOURCE: Journal of Nutrition, University of Guelph
Dr. Ardyce Yik ND 