'Junk Food' May Significantly Hike Risk of Stroke, Researchers
Say Latest Heart News WEDNESDAY, Oct. 3 (HealthDay News) --
People who eat a so-called "Western diet," which is high in fat,
salt and sugar, are at significantly greater risk for stroke or
premature death, according to a new study involving rats.
Researchers from Canada found this type of food, also known as
the "cafeteria diet," creates what they called "a ticking time
bomb of health problems." For the study, the researchers gave
sedentary rats a choice of nutritional food pellets or junk food
items including cookies, sausage and cupcakes. The animals were
also given a choice of water or a 30 percent sugar solution that
imitated soft drinks. Like humans, the researchers said, the
rats preferred the treats. And after eating a high-calorie,
high-sugar and high-sodium diet for just two months, they
developed symptoms of a condition known as metabolic syndrome,
including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and blood sugar
levels, and obesity -- fac