Indulging in high-fat desserts can be a tempting treat, but it’s crucial to be aware of the potential health consequences they may entail. Some desserts, in particular, stand out as culprits for promoting inflammation and blood sugar spikes due to their high fat content. These desserts often contain a combination of refined sugars and unhealthy fats, creating a perfect storm for metabolic havoc in the body.
We spoke with Lisa Richards, nutritionist & creator of the Candida Diet, and Jeanette Giacinto, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for Bodybuilding Reviews, to learn about four high-fat sweet treats that can lead to inflammation and blood sugar spikes. They revealed that donuts, pastry cakes, pies, and sugar cookies are the ones to minimize as much as possible.
1. Donuts
Donuts, while delicious, can have detrimental effects on health due to their high sugar and refined flour content. Consuming them regularly can lead to inflammation in the body, as high sugar intake is associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers.
Richards explains why cutting them out may be good idea to reduce inflammation and stabilize blood sugar levels.
"Donuts have a high content of refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and processed ingredients. They are typically made with refined wheat flour and packed with added sugars, causing a rapid rise in blood glucose levels when consumed. This sudden spike in blood sugar triggers a corresponding surge in insulin to regulate sugar levels, which can be harmful to the body in the long term and lead to insulin resistance," she reveals.
2. Pastry Cakes
Indulging in pastry cakes may bring momentary pleasure, but the toll they take on inflammation and blood sugar levels should not be overlooked. Loaded with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and processed flour, these treats can contribute to issues such as weight gain and provoke inflammatory responses within the body.
"Pastry cakes are inflammatory and detrimental to gut health due to their high sugar and refined flour content," Richards warns. "These ingredients contribute to rapid spikes in blood sugar, prompting the release of insulin and potentially causing chronic inflammation." The excessive consumption of sugar can pose significant health risks, even contributing to the buildup of abdominal fat.
By cutting them out, individuals can reduce their overall calorie intake, support better metabolic health, and decrease inflammation – all crucial steps towards achieving better overall health.
3. Pies
Pies, with their flaky crusts and decadent fillings, are beloved confections often associated with special occasions and comfort. But, the combination of sugary fillings and a refined flour crust can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, prompting the body to release insulin to manage the influx of glucose.
Over time, frequent consumption of pies can strain the body's insulin response, potentially leading to insulin resistance and inflammation.
"Pie crust is made with a ton of butter, which makes it not the friendliest option for those who are trying to lose weight. Pie crust is also made of flour, which breaks down into sugar, and the filling is often very sweet, which may contribute to blood sugar spikes," says Giacinto.
4. Sugar Cookies
While savoring a sugar cookie as an occasional indulgence might not pose an immediate threat, regular consumption could steer one toward a path fraught with health concerns. Laden with refined sugars and processed flours, these delectable treats can swiftly send blood sugar levels soaring, triggering a cascade of insulin production to manage the sudden influx of glucose.
"Most sugar cookies are at least 100 calories each and are made with butter or oil, which is not innately terrible if you don’t overdo it," warns Giacinto.
Read more here to discover some of the best desserts that are actually healthy and can even aid in weight loss.
