Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have discovered that high-fat diets increase the risk of diseases, including Covid-19. Their study on mice revealed that a diet with over 40% fat alters intestinal genes and boosts the expression of ACE2 receptors, which facilitate coronavirus entry. The findings, published in Nature, urge individuals to reconsider their dietary habits, highlighting that while fats are necessary, sources like salmon and nuts are preferable to unhealthy high-fat foods.
The impact of our dietary choices extends beyond just weight management; they significantly affect our overall health. Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, conducted a study revealing that a high-fat diet may elevate the risk of several diseases. Their findings were shared in the journal Nature.
Over 24 weeks, the research team examined the effects of three distinct high-fat diets on mice, with at least 40% of their caloric intake derived from fat. One group consumed saturated fats from coconut oil, another was given monounsaturated, modified soybean oil, and a third group received unmodified soybean oil rich in polyunsaturated fats.
Post-study, the researchers analyzed the intestinal changes in the mice, exploring both their intestinal structure and genetic modifications. They discovered that the high-fat diets significantly altered gene expression across different intestinal regions, with the most notable changes occurring in the group that received coconut oil. This shift heightened the risk for various diseases and influenced genes responsible for fat metabolism and gut microbiota composition.
High-Fat Diets and Health Risks
Some findings were unexpected: alterations were noted in genes governing vulnerability to infections and inflammatory responses, as explained by Frances Sladek, the lead researcher. The high-fat intake appeared to boost the expression of specific proteins as well as ACE2 receptors, which play a crucial role as entry points for viruses.
The coronavirus binds to these ACE2 receptors using its spike protein to infiltrate human cells, where it replicates. This spike protein is a focal point for treatment and prevention strategies, but mutations could render prior immunity ineffective.
Nourishing Diets for a Resilient Immune System
The research team hopes their findings encourage individuals to reassess their dietary habits. Nonetheless, they stress that all fats should not be eliminated from the diet; rather, it’s recommended that 10 to 15% of total calories should stem from fats.
The German Nutrition Society highlights the importance of healthy fats found in foods like salmon, mackerel, and herring, which offer essential long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. The suggested intake of these fatty fish is around 70 grams weekly.
Additional sources of fat include sausages, certain meat products, fried foods, mayonnaise, nuts, coconut oil, palm oil, and animal lard, which is high in saturated fats that can negatively affect blood lipid levels. A daily intake of nuts should be limited to about 25 grams, roughly a handful.
Safeguarding Against Infections
Alongside adopting a healthier diet, multiple strategies can help protect against viral infections. The Federal Center for Health Education provides several recommendations to enhance personal safety.
This article was originally published by our colleagues at focus.de