Dr. Sarah Berry, chief scientist at Zoe, is challenging the common belief that snacking is always detrimental to health. Her recent analysis of over 1,000 individuals highlights that the timing of snacks plays a crucial role in their impact on well-being.
According to Dr. Berry, the time people choose to snack can greatly influence health outcomes. The study found that those who snacked after 9 p.m. tended to have higher blood pressure, poorer insulin sensitivity, and elevated blood cholesterol levels, regardless of the snack’s quality. This discovery underscores the importance of not just what you eat, but when you eat it.
Furthermore, the research differentiated between the act of snacking and the type of snack chosen. Dr. Berry explains, “Eating between meals is not the issue. Instead, it’s the choice of snacks that matters. Opting for healthy snacks when hungry between meals will not negatively affect your health.”
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The takeaway from Dr. Berry’s study is clear: avoid late-night snacking after 9 p.m. and select nutritious snacks to minimize the risk of adverse health effects. This approach allows for guilt-free snacking that supports overall health.
Elevated cholesterol is a significant concern tied to poor snacking habits because it often presents without symptoms yet can lead to serious health crises such as heart attacks and strokes. High cholesterol occurs when excess fatty substances accumulate in the bloodstream, potentially clogging blood vessels.
Various factors contribute to high cholesterol, including fatty diet choices, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and hereditary predispositions. Fortunately, high cholesterol can be managed through medication and lifestyle modifications, making mindful snacking an important preventative strategy.