Poor Snacking Undermines Healthy Eating for 25%: Study

London, 18 Sep (ONA) --- A new study in the European Journal of Nutrition tracked the snacking habits of 854 people who mostly eat healthy meals. It found that a quarter of them either eat too much or choose low quality snacks, negating their healthy eating choices.

"We observed that snack quality matters and is associated with favourable lipemic and insulinemic responses, as well as decreased hunger," say the study's authors.

The study also concluded that unhealthy snacks are linked to "higher body mass index, higher visceral fat mass and higher postprandial – the period after eating a meal – triglycerides concentrations," which are associated with metabolic diseases such as stroke, cardiovascular disease and obesity.

The researchers define low quality snacks as confectionery, packaged savoury snacks and sugary beverages.

Late-night snacking tends to involve unhealthy choices and adverse blood markers, but the study highlights the value of nutritious options like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds for health.

--- Ends/Thuraiya/KH