In today’s fast-paced world, frozen dinners have become a convenient solution for busy individuals seeking quick and easy meals. These pre-packaged meals offer a variety of options, from comfort foods to seemingly health-conscious choices. However, the convenience they provide often comes with potential drawbacks that warrant consideration. While frozen dinners offer a solution for time-strapped individuals, their nutritional content and ingredient composition can play a role in weight management and overall health.
We spoke with Veronika Matutyte, MD, to learn about the one type of frozen dinner that leads to inflammation and weight gain. Matutyte shared that frozen meals that are breaded and deep-fried are the ones to steer away from. Read on to learn more.
Breaded And Deep-Fried Frozen Dinners
Frozen dinners that feature breaded and deep-fried options, like certain types of chicken tenders or fish sticks, can introduce a concerning element into one's diet. While they offer convenience, these items are often high in unhealthy trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and excess calories. Consuming such meals on a regular basis has been associated with a potential double impact: promoting weight gain due to their caloric density and contributing to inflammation through the intake of trans fats.
"These options are rife with trans fats, which are synthetic fats that not only increase bad LDL cholesterol but also lower the good HDL cholesterol. Additionally, they often contain high-fructose corn syrup or excessive sugar, as well as artificial additives like MSG (monosodium glutamate), which has been linked to obesity and metabolic disorders," Matutyte says.
She also states that trans fats, often identified as 'hydrogenated' or 'partially hydrogenated' oils on ingredient labels, have the potential to incite inflammation by catalyzing the production of cytokines—biochemical messengers that regulate the immune response and trigger inflammation. Meanwhile, substances like high-fructose corn syrup and other sugars not only trigger spikes in insulin levels but also contribute to the creation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). These compounds have the capability to bind to cells, inducing oxidative stress and sparking an inflammatory reaction.
"In addition to that, these sugars lead to fat accumulation around the liver and abdomen, making weight gain almost inevitable over time," she notes.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, the allure of convenience that frozen dinners offer in our fast-paced lives should be approached with awareness of potential pitfalls. While they cater to busy individuals, the nutritional implications of these pre-packaged meals cannot be overlooked. These seemingly easy options can have a profound impact on health, with unhealthy trans fats, excessive sugars, and refined carbohydrates taking center stage. Matutyte emphasizes that not only do these fats increase bad cholesterol and decrease good cholesterol, but they also set the stage for inflammation by stimulating cytokine production.
Furthermore, the sugars in these dinners are not innocent either; they can create oxidative stress through the formation of AGEs, fostering inflammation. Matutyte's insights serve as a reminder that understanding the implications of our food choices is integral to maintaining well-being in our modern dietary landscape.
