Deep-fried Mars bars – unhealthy, but no killer

Conclusion This study found no significant differences in cerebrovascular reactivity (the body’s ability to respond to breath holding by increasing blood flow to the brain) after eating either a deep-fried Mars bar or porridge. When the researchers analysed men and women separately, they found no significant differences in cerebrovascular reactivity after eating a deep-fried Mars bar or porridge. However, when the researchers compared men with women, they found a significant difference, although whether there is any clinical significance to this finding is unclear. The researchers point out that there are limitations to their study, including the fact they studied young, healthy individuals. It may be that there are differences in cerebrovascular reactivity in older patients at risk of stroke. Confirming whether the risk is significant in this sub-group would be challenging, not least due to ethical considerations. Assigning people a diet you suspect could harm them would be a serious breach of medical ethics. Common sense suggests that eating deep-fried Mars bars regularly will not be good for your health, as a diet high in saturated fats and sugar can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels). However, the very occasional late night “guilty pleasure” is highly unlikely to trigger a stroke. Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Join the Healthy Evidence forum. Links T...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Food/diet Neurology Obesity Source Type: news