Billions of people around the world give plenty of thought to what they eat; when they eat rarely seems as pressing a concern. However, if you’re looking to get healthier, minding your mealtime, particularly when you’re eating high-fat foods, is essential.
According to researchers at Texas A&M University, the inflammation associated with the consumption of high-fat foods can vary based upon when you consume them. Foods high in saturated fat tend to spike the body’s inflammatory response most in the evening. As a result, it’s safest to consume high-fat foods in the morning. Save those lower-fat meals for later in the day.
So, how exactly do those high-fat meals cause such a disruption in your body? According to the Texas A&M study, cells in the human body each have their own circadian rhythm. However, it appears that saturated fat has a tendency to disrupt that internal clock, slowing down the body’s immune response. As a result, immune cells respond too late to help fight off the ravages of saturated-fat-spurred inflammation.
But, aside from general discomfort, many people don’t realize the health risks associated with a body in a chronically inflamed state. Unfortunately, it’s more serious than you might imagine. According to researchers at the University of Porto, inflammation is intrinsically linked to both obesity and metabolic syndrome, while the American Heart Association considers inflammation a precursor to potentially-fatal cardiovascular disease.
So, if you’re craving a high-fat meal, make it breakfast. And when those midnight snack cravings are coming on strong, grab a piece of fruit or some veggies instead.
