Eating too many calories per day can trigger premature death, concludes study

An analysis by researchers from Mayo Clinic shows that consuming more calories than is necessary increases the risk of developing age-related diseases, such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, cancer, and dementia.

The researchers noted that eating too many calories increased cardiovascular risk. They found that excessive calorie intake resulted in a higher likelihood of high blood pressure in men. Of more concern was the conclusion that women who consumed more calories than necessary were twice more likely to die from cardiovascular disease.

In addition, the researchers found that uncontrolled intake of calories can raise the risk of metabolic syndrome later in life by up to 400 percent. Metabolic syndrome is linked to the development of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, unrestricted calorie intake results in abnormalities in blood lipids in both men and women, which is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a potential factor in acute pancreatitis.

Apparently, even individuals who look healthy and thin on the outside could also be suffering from these life-threatening effects of eating too many calories.

Other effects of eating too many calories

An article published on Livestrong also discussed the negative health effects of excess calorie intake. One of these is weight gain. The excess calories that you consume cannot be processed by the body, so it stores them in the form of fat. Excess calories are primarily stored in the form of triglycerides, which harms heart health. Additionally, once you’ve become overweight, you are more likely to develop fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. Gaining extra weight also puts pressure on your joints, and increases osteoarthritis risk.

Getting too many calories from refined, processed carbohydrates may increase your risk of insulin resistance and inflammation, while excess calories from saturated fat can increase cholesterol levels, which significantly increase the risk of coronary artery disease, the number one cause of death in the U.S.

Restricting your calorie intake can slow or reverse the aging process

Several studies have shown that calorie restriction plays a role in activating the body’s so-called “longevity genes,” which slow the aging process.

Limiting your calorie intake, given that you are still receiving optimal and necessary nutrition, can prompt the anti-aging process within your body. Calorie-restriction is believed to effectively stimulate genes that enhance youthful physiological function, leading to the slowing down of the pathological effects of the aging process.

Researchers from the U.S. also suggest that reducing your calorie intake by at least 15 percent can result in a reduced risk of age-related diseases later in life and may help you live longer, compared to following a regular diet. In their study, which was a two-year study published in the journal Cell Metabolism, they found that those who restricted their calorie intake lost nearly 20 lbs. (nine kg), compared to those in the control group who retained their weight.

In addition, those in the calorie-restriction group burned fewer calories per day and saw reductions in oxidative stress markers. In addition, they reported improved mood and quality of life for the participants.

Other studies have also shown that calorie restriction can help reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular health, glucose control, and cognitive function.

Read more news stories and studies on the negative effects of eating too many calories by going to Food.news.

Sources include:

NaturalHealth365.com

Livestrong.com

LifeExtension.com