Meal frequency and timing are patterns associated with healthier diets, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement. The statement emphasized that the patterns could have an effect on cardiovascular disease risk and related risk factors.
Marie-Pierre St-Onge, writing group chair and associate professor of nutritional medicine at Columbia University in New York City, released the statement with his colleagues. The researchers provided a summary and a snapshot of the scientific evidence on when and how often people eat and the impact of these eating patterns on risk factors relating to heart attack, stroke, cardiac problems and blood vessel diseases, according to Medical Xpress.
"Meal timing may influence our health due to its impact on the body's internal clock," St-Onge added to his statement. He drew reference to animal studies, explaining that when animals receive food while being inactive especially during their sleeping time, their internal clocks are reset in a manner that can alter nutrient metabolism, resulting in greater weight gain, insulin resistance and inflammation. However, much study is needed for the observation to be stated as a fact.
Meanwhile, studies have shown that greater frequency of eating is associated with lower mean total cholesterol and LDL. It seems to carry lesser risk for obesity, according to AHA.
"We suggest eating mindfully, by paying attention to planning both what you eat and when you eat meals and snacks, to prevent emotional eating," St-Onge said in the release. He explained that most people jump into eating episodes emotionally even when they are not hungry, which results in additions of calories from food that has low nutritional values.
He also stressed over the importance of practicing healthy eating despite having busy schedules. That includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry and fish, as well as low-fat dairy products, while limiting the consumption of red meat, salt and food high in added sugars.
